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OCTOBER 28, 2016

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VOL. 10 NO. 240

POLICE ACTION A police van driven by PO3 Franklin Kho mows down protesters whowere staging a rally in front of the US Embassy in Manila.

MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / PDI

Duterte defuses separation ‘bomb’: US ties to remain

Nicole Cordoves is 1st runner up in Miss Grand International 2016

I cannot do that. Why? It’s to the best interest of my country. Why? Because the Filipinos in the United States will kill me BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte has clarified that the Philippines would

not cut diplomatic ties with the United States, but merely pursuing a more independent foreign policy by pushing stronger relations with regional behe-

20 Justin Trudeau greeted by heckles and jeers at youth labour forum ❱❱ PAGE 16

❱❱ PAGE 12 Duterte defuses

Trump brand loses lustre with affluent

OCTOBER 28, 2016

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Pres. Duterte looks forward to see no foreign soldiers in PHL BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he looks forward to a Philippines without foreign troops around, only Filipino soldiers. Pres. Duterte made the remark in a media interview before leaving for his three-day official visit to Japan upon invitation extended to him by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “I would like to say this with all candor, I look forward to the time when I no longer see any military troops or soldier in my country except the Filipino soldier,” Pres. Duterte said. He said his goal of zero foreign troops in the country is part of his efforts to pursue an independent foreign policy as provided in the Philippine Constitution. “I said I do not have to dovetail what the policies of our countries are and especially in the matter of stationing of military troops in my country. I really hate it. I don’t want it. We don’t need it. We are not going to war and there’s not going to be any war in the future,” the

President said. The president said he will visit Japan “with full trust that we can understand each other and Japan will understand my position vis-à-vis with the foreign policy that I want to implement.” “It’s just a question of a policy that is really truly Filipino,” he added. When asked if his administration intends to rescind the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States, Pres. Duterte said he would like to discuss it with US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel. “We have the EDCA, forget it. If I stay here long enough, if it is an executive agreement, then I’ll just…I don’t want to see any military man of any other nation except for the Filipino soldiers. That’s all I want,” Duterte said. Russel arrived last Sunday in the Philippines and met with Secretaries Delfin Lorenzana of National Defense and Perfecto Yasay of Foreign Affairs. The US official reportedly warned Pres. Duterte over the latter’s fiery rhetoric remarks and deadly crime war, an interference that irked the Filipino leader.

154 distressed OFWs return home from Saudi Arabia PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — A big group of distressed OFWs stranded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia returned to the Philippines Tuesday afternoon, onboard Saudia Airlines flight SV 872. OWWA Officer-in-Charge Carmelina F. Velasquez, along with other government officials, welcomed the repatriated OFWs. Likewise, the government representatives oriented the distressed OFWs on the programs and services available to them. Upon assumption to office in August, President Rodrigo R. Duterte issued a marching order to immediately heed the call for help of the OFWs. Thus, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III went to an official mission in Riyadh and created a composite team that was dispatched to Saudi Arabia in order to assess the condition of the Filipino migrant workers, ascertain their needs, craft mechanisms to address these needs, including the OFWs’ option for repatriation. As part of the government’s commitment to bring home the OFWs, a total of 2,031 OFWs have so far returned to the country. The figure covers the period

from July 2016 to Oct. 24, 2016. Meanwhile, as of Oct. 21, 2016, OWWA has extended Relief Assistance Program (RAP) to 18,255 stranded OFWs, disbursing a total of Php 400,804,031.06. These OFWs include those who are still at worksites in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and those who had been repatriated. In relation to this, RAP was also provided to 10,846 families with a total sum of Php 68,516,000. Total cost for the financial aid from the last week of July 2016 up to Oct. 21, 2016 was placed at a total of Php 469,320,031.06. The OWWA Augmentation Team sent to KSA assisted in the processing of RAP applications, and distributed food and hygiene kits to 13,245 OFW availees, which amounted to Php 2,310,295,82. Meanwhile, an Augmentation Team comprising of OWWA personnel will be sent to Saudi Arabia Tuesday as the previous team has already reported back. At the home front, post- repatriation service expenses covering land transportation, food and toiletries to OFWs accommodated at the OWWA Halfway Home reached a total of Php 1,541,553.95 which covers the period July 2016-October 21, 2016. ■

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, escorted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya, reviews the honor guards upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. RICHARD MADELO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / PNA

“Russel says Duterte comments causing worries in business communities. Then go away, we can endure, we will recover I assure you. We will live and survive. We have gone to the worst of times in this planet,” President Duterte replied while holding copy of Inquirer newspaper which bannered the story about Russel’s warning. The president said he is not a “tuta” (lapdog) of any country, including the US. “You count me out. I’m not one of them. I am not also a tuta (lapdog) of any country. Mind you, only the Filipino can

make me ‘tuta’. Period,” the President said. During state visit in China last week, President Duterte announced his separation from the United States while pursuing an independent foreign policy. EDCA is a supplemental agreement to the previous Visiting Forces Agreement signed between the US and the Philippines in 1998. The EDCA was signed by former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg in April 28, 2014. The Supreme Court had upheld its constitutionality. ■

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Philippine News

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Lopez assures IPs: ‘No one in ancestral lands will be evicted’ PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Environment Secretary Gina Lopez has assured indigenous peoples (IP) from Mindanao, who have been holding a series of protest actions in Metro Manila, that they will not be evicted from their ancestral lands. “No one will be evicted from your land. That is your exclusive right,” Lopez told the IPs as they continued to protest against what they claimed as continued plunder and militarization of ancestral lands across the country. Lopez made the assurance during a meeting with the IPs at the University of the Philippines in Diliman on Tuesday. On invitation by the IP leaders and representatives, Lopez went to UP with other senior officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Re-

sources (DENR) for a dialogue. Right then and there, Lopez directed DENR Undersecretary for Field Operations Isabelo Montejo to look deeper into issues being raised by the IPs. “I want you to investigate the various issues being raised, and address them,” Lopez told Montejo, who in turn assured the IPs of immediate assistance from the DENR. “I will direct all our regional directors to go and dialog with you. Sila ang papupuntahin ko sa inyo, at hindi kayo ang pupunta sa kanila (I will make them go to you, rather than you having to report to them),” Montejo said. Lopez also enlightened the group of the DENR’s move to engage them in the National Greening Program, the government’s massive reforestation initiative that doubles as a poverty alleviation measure. “Ang gusto namin ay isama kayo sa National Greening Program

upang magkaroon ng economic activities — magkaroon kayo ng pera (What we want is for you to be part of the National Greening Program so that economic activities will be ensured — you can earn money),” she said. The DENR chief likewise urged them to help the government in protecting the resources in their ancestral lands. “Kailangan protektahan ninyo ang mga resources na nasa inyong ancestral lands upang manatiling malinis ang inyong ilog, pati na ang kagubatan. Dahil yan ay para din sa inyo at sa ating bayan (We must protect the resources that are in your ancestral lands so that your rivers will remain clean, as well as your forests. For they are also for you and for the country).” Lopez also introduced to the minority groups Philip Camara who briefed them on biochar, which the group may engage in as an economic activity with

UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Gisela P. Concepcion (left) delivers her welcome remarks during an event that connects innovators and industry partners for collaboration and entrepreneurial activities. JOEY O. RAZON / PNA

the help of the DENR’s corporate arm, the Natural Resources Development Corporation. On the issue of militarization of ancestral lands, Secretary Lopez phoned Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya on the spot and put him on speaker phone to explain the side of the military. Visaya explained to the IPs that the presence of military in their areas was meant “not to disturb you but to respond to the presence of the NPA (New

People’s Army) who are exploiting you.” On the clamor of the IPs to stop mining in their areas, Lopez told them that she has already issued a moratorium for new mining projects, while assuring them of immediate investigation on issues allegedly being perpetrated by mining companies against the lumads and other minority groups in the country. “No new mining. I wanna go to agriculture and eco-tourism,” she said. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

What did Digong eat in a 5-star Beijing resto? BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer BEIJING — One hazy afternoon during his state visit, unorthodox President Duterte sneaked out of his official suite at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and walked along the busy Wangfujing snack street to have his fill of fine local cuisine. Surrounded by some 50 closed-in aides and friends, Duterte headed on Wednesday to the five-star Dadong Beijing Roast Duck Restaurant, which has attracted a number of celebrities and VIPs. Clad in a dark green jacket with a Philippine flag emblem worn over a dark blue collared shirt, the President slipped into the restaurant located some 200 hundred meters from the hotel’s backdoor and caused a media frenzy. But he was running late for his culinary agenda and declined to be interviewed. Named after the celebrity Chinese chef who owns it, Dadong was described by a local as a “five-star” restaurant where meals could easily cost around 1,000 renminbi (P7,150) per head. It offers fusion Chinese cuisine and has sleek interiors and a few function rooms for small groups. Yan Lin, reception director at Dadong, said it must have been a last-minute decision by the presidential party to dine at the restaurant because the lunch reservation was made at 1 a.m. of the same day. The restaurant staff had to come in early morning to prepare for the arrival of the Philippine President and his party, he added. The booking was made for 12:30 p.m., but the party arrived at 1:40 p.m. and finished past 4 p.m. “They ordered seafood—fish, also the beef, crab, sea cucumber, chicken,” Yan told the Inquirer through a local interpreter. “He ate some fish but not crabs or other seafood. Also the sea cucumber, also the beef,” Yan said, referring to the spicy beef dish that has grilled beef cubes enhanced with herbs and spices.

China stand on sea row stays, say analysts BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is accompanied by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his arrival at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / PNA

Celebrity diners

Yan said the party must have liked the beef so much because the group later ordered the same spicy beef dish for delivery at the hotel, which was bustling with activity during the entire four-day visit that saw the Philippine leader rekindle bilateral ties with China. Mr. Duterte drank some red wine with the entourage during this late luncheon, said one waitress who served the party. A section of the main dining area was closed to accommodate the group, while a big round table was brought in from another function room to serve as presidential table. When the Inquirer went to eat lunch at the same restaurant two days after President Duterte’s visit, there was still palpable excitement among the restaurant staff. Yan agreed to share some of the pictures he had taken using his mobile phone and volunteered to send other pictures taken by the staff. Asked if other heads of state had dined there, Yan said a prime minister of Israel did. “There were national leaders (who had been there before) but not in such a big event, usually low-profile,” he added, pointing to a wall that had pictures of some of the famous personalities who had dined at the res-

taurant. They included Prince Albert of Monaco and Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during his 2014 state visit. Mr. Duterte, who will soon be included in the celebrity gallery, wrote on the red piece of paper given him: “Best Wishes!! RDuterte Pres. Philippines.” Most relaxed

That Wednesday was the most relaxed of the four days of the President’s state visit. He arrived Tuesday night straight from his Brunei visit and had the whole Wednesday to himself before his address to the Filipino community in China in the evening. Instead of visiting some heritage sites like the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City, Mr. Duterte opted to have a gastronomic experience a day before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People. On Thursday, China rolled out the red carpet for Mr. Duterte with a pompous welcome ceremony ahead of a series of bilateral meetings and other official engagements. The President’s team brought home $24 billion in investments and financing commitments from China, including private sectorinitiated deals. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

freedom of navigation. Poling told the Inquirer on Friday that China “has completed hangars base, three full regiments of 24 fighter jets at each of the three biggest islands it occupies including Mischief Reef.”

SECURITY ANALYSTS expect China to continue building its “great wall” in the South China Sea despite the Philippines’ friendliness under President Duterte and Chinese talk of Likely behavior giving Filipino fishermen conPoling said “recent history” ditional access to the disputed would indicate China’s likely Scarborough Shoal off Zam- behavior even toward its newbales province. est friend. “Despite the initial agree“China has not shown one ment to allow fishermen [to go shred of willingness to negotiback to] Scarborough, it is not ate with any Southeast Asian clear what’s China’s stand in the claimant as an equal member disputed areas … which leads us of the maritime community,” to believe that there has been he said. no change in China’s position. Besides the Philippines, BruThey will connei, Malaysia tinue to build and Vietnam their great wall have overlapping in the sea. They claims with Chiwill not give up They will na in the South continue to their claim in China Sea. build their the South China Despite its great wall Sea,” Chester Caties with Vietin the sea. balza, a profesnam, Malaysia They will not sor at National and Indonesia, give up their Defense College, China has flexed claim in the said on Sunday. its muscles South China “I think against them in Sea. that President their maritime Duterte has disputes, Poling made the detersaid. “Why do we mination that assume that all he can cut a deal with China like fishing access of a sudden everything’s going to the Scarborough Shoal based to be different?” he said. upon an assumption of Chinese goodwill and the desire in Bei- Arbitral ruling China claims almost the enjing to negotiate in good faith. But where that idea comes from tire South China Sea, where an I am not entirely sure,” said estimated $5.3 trillion in global Gregory Poling, director of the trade passes annually. In an action brought by the Asia Maritime Transparency Philippines, the UN-backed Initiative (Amti). Amti estimates Beijing has Permanent Court of Arbitration “created [1,248 hectares] of new in The Hague ruled in July that islands” in the Spratlys. Each China’s claims had no basis in artificial island hosts a military international law and that it had base that is expected to be fully violated the Philippines’ rights to fish and explore for resources operational by next year. The military installations in waters within its 370-kilomewill allow China to carry out its ter exclusive economic zone in Anti-Access Area Denial (A2/ the South China Sea. China rejected the decision AD) strategy, a military doctrine used to deny foreign mili- and the Philippines agreed to direct talks last week to resolve taries access to a certain area. By using A2/AD, China is de- the dispute. But Cabalza warned that Chinying other militaries access to the South China Sea and na would seek to dominate the impinging on other countries’ Philippines in those talks. ■

Philippine News

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

PCUP and QC’s 2nd District leaders launch national ‘Urban Poor Kontra Droga’ initiative BY LEILANI S. JUNIO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Almost 500 leaders and constituents of the five biggest barangays in Quezon City’s Second District gathered together on Tuesday to showcase their willingness to succeed in fighting the drug problem as they supported the national launching of the “Urban Poor Kontra Droga” initiative toward a drug-free community. They were mobilized as the QC’s Second District Contingents as Rep. Winnie Castelo partnered with the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) in the program launching held at the Covered Court of New Capitol Estate I in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City. The five barangays comprising Quezon City’s Second District — Commonwealth, Batasan Hills, Bagong Silangan, Payatas, and Holy Spirit — are considered the most populous barangays in the city. As of the 2010 Census, the district has a population of 1,611,488, more than half of the city’s 2,761,720 total population. Castelo, considered as champion of the urban poor in the district, is one of the strong advocates of ensuring that his poor constituents can win against demolition and instead integrate the poor through socialized housing programs. “Dito sa aming distrito ay walang gibaan; awarding ng lupa ang ginagawa namin dito (Here in our district, we are not pushing for demolition; instead what we put forward is awarding of land),” he said as he compared how his district in QC addresses the problem of the urban poor in comparison with other areas where demolitions of informal settlers are taking

place. In line with that, he said that such success is something that they are also looking forward to as they launched the urban poor initiative toward a drugfree society. “Our campaign today is not only about success on land distribution, it is harder — to free our youth, children from the illeffects of drugs in our society… Will you join us in the fight?,” he asked the leaders who all nodded and replied “yes” as they declared the “revolution” or war against drugs/pushers that are destroying the future of the young people. Castelo also called on the people to continue supporting the fight of President Rodrigo R. Duterte against drugs as he cited that there are statistics showing that the commission of crimes such as carnapping, rape, “akyat-bahay,” etc., which are drug-related, has gone down by almost 32 percent as the campaign on illegal drugs heightened. He explained to them that if a person is hooked in drugs and has no money to keep access to the vice, the drug dependent may resort to criminal acts. He said that the initiative is also a way of showing love to the family members and relatives of children who are drug dependents as they recognize the seriousness of the problem. He added that services in terms of housing, education, distribution of land titles should be complemented with an assurance that the society is kept protected against the danger of proliferation of drugs which can damage the future of the young and may deter them from becoming productive citizens. “In other words, the root of all evils is in drug addiction… And if we’re able to cut the

PNA

cause (source), it will cause the crime rate to turn low as proven by General Eleazar (Senior Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar) in our city,” he added. The first ever-launching of the program tapping the urban sector aims to empower the poor to be part in the continuous fight against drugs and in the context of having a supportive community-based support program for the drug dependents who are also considered as “victims.” Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial (not present in the launching) has said in previous interviews that drug dependents or addicts are actually “victims” and as victims they deserve to be “rehabilitated” and be given the chance to reform themselves so that they can be integrated back into the society. Rep. Terry Ridon, who has been appointed by President Duterte as chairperson of the PCUP, said that the national campaign is in support to the President’s war against drugs. He stressed it is important that communities will be present after the operation of the Philippine National Police “Oplan Tokhang” through the commu-

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nity rehabilitation system. Ridon added that the largescale rehabilitation facilities currently being built in Nueva Ecija should not be waited to be finished before doing rehabilitation initiatives. “Kailangan po mismo sa ating mga barangay, sa atin pong mismong mga komunidad ay naikakasa na po natin ang intervention ng pamahalaan para makatugon, para mailayo ang ating mga kabataan, sa tulong ng mga kasamahan sa komunidad, sa problema ng droga (There is a need that start in our own community the intervention needed so we can involve everyone in protecting our young people against the ill-effects of drugs),” he added. He further said that the “Urban Poor Kontra Droga” initiative will also be launched later in Manila, Pasay Caloocan and other cities in cooperation with the PNP, the Dangerous Drugs Board and other agencies. Meanwhile, Police Supt. Belli Tamayo, who represented PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa, cited the success of “Oplan Tokhang” and other accomplishments of the PNP in the fight against drugs. Tamayo told the attendees

that they can engage themselves in reporting or may text at PNP Bato Hotline -2286 to give information on the criminals they know to help the PNP arrest and jail the pusher/s. As the launching ended, they sang the song “Magkaisa,” holding each other’s hands to signify the need for joint efforts to achieve a common goal as there is a lot to be accomplished if everyone is actively involved. The attendees were also given the chance to attend a seminar session in the afternoon so that they may have knowledge about drug abuse Under the community-based approach, the idea is there will be medical interventions, livelihood programs through partnership with the Department of Agriculture, urban poor support groups for the rehabilitated patients, information and education, etc. The Department of Health (DOH) is tasked to provide training for the medical health personnel involved in the rehabilitation program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is also expected to provide the assistance needed by the families of those assessed for rehabilitation by ensuring that an appropriate program will be available for them. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) can be involved by providing training on developing the livelihood skills of the rehab patients. Church-based and other organizations can also be tapped in this undertaking as they can also help the families and the rehab patients in the efforts in integrating back the drug victims to the society so that they cannot be tempted back into drug addiction. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Japan wary over Philippine leader’s policies, manners

Strong public support essential for success of GRP-NDF peace talks

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI The Associated Press

PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

want to see any military man of any other nation except the Philippine soldier.” But in a country where formality and politeness are highly valued, others in TOKYO — Japanese officials are wary Japan are worried about the rough side ahead of the arrival of outspoken Philip- of Duterte’s manners. They are particupine President Rodrigo Duterte. It’s not larly concerned about his meeting with just his foreign policy toward the U.S., Emperor Akihito on Friday. but also his informal style: Will he chew Japanese TV shows have repeatedly gum in front of the emperor? shown Duterte apparently chewing gum Duterte arrives in Tokyo later Tues- — at meetings, shaking hands and at othday for a three-day visit, his first as Phil- er public occasions. In footage of a meetippine leader. ing with Chinese President Xi Jinping, For diplomats and political leaders, Duterte wore a business suit instead of the main issue is Duterte’s foreign policy a formal Philippine “Barong” shirt. He toward Washington and how Japan can walked in with his hands in his pockets help mend those ties. and chewed gum during the hand shake Tokyo is a major ally of the United and a signing ceremony. States, and has watched as Duterte inDuterte doesn’t usually button up the creasingly attacked the U.S. and said he top of his shirt, often wears slacks or would scale back America’s military en- jeans and has been seen without socks. gagement with his country. And he has “When (Duterte) will make a courtesy worried Japan and the United States by visit to the Emperor, his behaviour durreaching out to China. ing the event could have a major impact. I Japanese Fortrust he understands eign Minister Fumio the consequences and Kishida acknowlhe would not do such edged Duterte’s rea thing (as chewing marks have triggered How could he gum), but I do hope concern, and told dare to behave in the Philippine side to reporters he planned ways that could remind him of that to ask what his real cause his host to particular point,” Itintentions were lose face. sunori Onodera, a sewhen the two have nior lawmaker in the dinner Tuesday. He conservative ruling said Prime Minister Liberal Democratic Shinzo Abe will do Party, told a Sunday the same on Wednesday. talk show on Fuji TV. “I think it would be important that we In Japan, where the Emperor was fully communicate through these occa- considered a living god until the end of sions and directly hear opinions from World War II, people are expected to be President Duterte himself,” Kishida extra polite in front of him and his famsaid. ily. Those worries about Duterte were “It’s unbelievable. I have never seen evident Tuesday when he lashed out anything like that!” said Kunihiko Miagain at the U.S. in a departure speech at yake, a former diplomat and political the Manila international airport, calling analyst. “How could he dare to behave Americans “foolish” and “silly” and say- in ways that could cause his host to lose ing their land was stricken with “pure face.” Miyake, however, said Duterte bigotry and discrimination” after a top might have done so intentionally perAmerican diplomat for Asia, Daniel Rus- haps because he was unhappy about sel, criticized his controversial remarks compromising on the South China Sea and unclear intentions. issue. Duterte also made a veiled threat to While serving as a mediator between revoke a 2014 defence pact allowing the two allies, Japan’s main contribularge numbers of U.S. troops to enter the tion to Manila is likely to be two large Philippines for combat drills. Coast Guard patrol boats — in addition “These Americans are really foolish,” to an earlier pledge of 10 smaller ones said Duterte, adding Americans travel to — and TC-90 military training aircraft the Philippines “like somebody, without to help boost the Philippine’s maritime visas, these sillies.” security in the South China Sea. ■ Referring to the pact that allows American forces, warships and planes to Associated Press writer Jim Gomez convisit the Philippines, Duterte said, “for- tributed to this report from Manila, Philget it,” adding that in the future “I do not ippines

MANILA — Having strong public support is essential for the ongoing peace talks between the Government Republic of the Philippines and National Democratic Front to succeed. “If we succeed in building a constituency which manifests the true will of the people, can two sides say no to that strong public voice?” GRP Monitoring Committee on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) head Atty. Efren Moncupa said. He made this appeal when he talked before members of faith-based network Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform in Cagayan De Oro City Tuesday. In the same event, Moncupa also sought the help of civil society in building peace constituents from different sectors by initiating consultations with their concerned sectors. “We want to talk to different sectors.

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You can consult your people — Lumads, women, youth, etc. — so we can arrive in a national consensus or agenda… Consultations must be institutionalized to lay the foundation on building constituents supportive to the process,” he emphasized. Aside from constituency building, Moncupa also identified four areas where members of the civil society can actively participate in the current GRPNDF peace talks including: serving as a bridge between the GRP and NDF in arriving a common ground towards a final political settlement; generating options to resolve contentious issues such as the ongoing discussions on social and economic reforms; keeping both parties committed in lowering the level of violence in the ground; and helping in addressing the roots of armed conflicts. “The difference now is that the peace talks is in public discourse. It is the only time that we have reciprocity in our outlook. “We must make this peace works, otherwise we do not have any other options left,” he concluded. ■

Philippine News

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Anti-US rants upset business BY DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE’S style of policymaking is causing unease in the business community given that it is perceived to be “driven by impulse rather than study,” the New York-based think tank Global Source said. His “loose speech” is giving investors pause, while his anti-US rhetoric is “fueling leftist militancy” that will have business consequences, it said in a commentary titled “Oops!... He did it again.” Some of the consequences noted are in the form of labor and land conversion policies, as well as mining environmental activism. Global Source published the commentary following Mr. Duterte’s declaration of “separation” from the United States in a business forum during his state visit to China last week. President Duterte’s style of policymaking—perceived to be “driven by impulse rather than study and full consultation”—is causing “much unease” in the business community, New Yorkbased think tank Global Source said. In a commentary titled, “Oops!… He did it again,” and written by economist Romeo Bernardo, Global Source said Mr. Duterte’s outbursts were putting government economic managers in “perpetual damage control mode and diverts attention away from more productive endeavors.” Loose speech

“Despite his economic managers’ repeated guidance for investors to look at the fundamentals rather than ‘political noise,’ the President’s loose speech cannot but give investors pause and his anti-Americanism is fueling leftist militancy and empowerment that, if left unchecked, would have real business consequences,” it said. Some of the consequences noted are in the form of labor and land conversion policies, as well as mining environmental activism. “For now, we are taking his fiery rhetoric as driven by (apart from personal history) needed rebalancing in foreign relations in light of the frozen state of relations with China under the Aquino administration,” Global Source said. “After what looks like a far swing to the left, we expect the pendulum to, down the road, find its center. After all, a leader cannot stray too far away from the mindset, sentiment and aspirations of his people.” ‘Separation’ from US

Global Source published the commentary following Mr. Duterte’s bold declaration of “separation” from the United States, both in military and economic aspects during his state visit to China last week. The President dropped the bombshell

President Rodrigo R. Duterte reiterates his stand on the country's shift to adopt an independent foreign policy during his departure speech in NAIA. TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / PNA

during a meeting with Chinese and Filipino, saying: “Your honors, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States [applause] both in military, so—not in the social [garbled] both the military but economics also.” He added that he was realigning with the ideology of China and Russia and that “there are three of us against the world.” But as soon as he landed on Philippine soil on Friday night, he clarified that he wouldn’t cut diplomatic ties with the United States but merely pursue a more independent foreign policy. Earlier, his spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, had given assurance that the government would not renege on existing deals and treaties, while exploring new alliances. Economic managers took the statement to mean that the Philippines was moving toward regional integration. “We will maintain relations with our partners but we would revive the stronger integration with our neighbors. We share centuries of trading, similar culture and a better understanding with our region,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who announced a total of $24-billion investment and financing deals from China at the end of the fourday state visit. Joint military exercises

Global Source noted that when Mr. Duterte said last month that he was canceling military exercises and other cooperation with the United States, the general reaction even from inside the government was, he couldn’t possibly have said that or even if he did, it couldn’t possibly be what it sounded like. “And after the dutiful 72hour news cycle for the President and his men to clarify what was said, it turned out that what he wanted was for the country to craft an independent foreign policy, a sensible posture considering what many political analysts deemed an overly proUS stance adopted by the previous administration,” the think tank said. It noted that the President kept on his anti-US rants, “seemingly intent to outdo

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himself each time he opened his mouth.” ‘Discombobulated’

In Beijing, the anti-US rhetoric intensified as Mr. Duterte devoted a great deal of time criticizing the United States in all three speaking engagements—his keynote address to the Filipino community in China, the Philippines-China Trade and Investment Forum, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries-Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. Global Source said that while this “discombobulated talk”—as former President Fidel Ramos called it—had become the signature as far as presidential remarks go, Mr. Duterte’s comments in China again gave everyone a jolt, followed by damage control by his economic managers. “Given the President’s record in Davao as a pragmatic politician supportive of business, we firmly believe that what he said could not possibly have meant ending economic ties with the US which last year amounted to $25 billion in goods and services trade, with direct investments reportedly reaching $4.7 billion and remittances coming from US banks totaling $8.4 billion,” Global Source said. “It could hardly have meant a military divorce either, at least not immediately with the two countries having three official defense agreements in place, one of which, the Mutual Defense Treaty, was ratified by the countries’ respective Senates,” the think tank added, noting, however, that joint patrols with the United States in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea had already been suspended. Global Source said the President could have meant that he would henceforth drop any official US aid that would require him to pay heed to the West’s concern about human rights —”an issue that he is hypersensitive to and takes personally.” At the confirmation hearing of the President’s defense secretary, the think tank noted that the Senate panel had been told that “the President has been issuing statements without consulting his Cabinet.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Alvarez allays fears over new foreign policy BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer TOKYO — No country needs to worry about President Duterte’s new foreign policy as long as they have no bad intention toward the Philippines, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said on Tuesday. Alvarez defended Mr. Duterte’s pronouncements, including those on military and economic “separation” from the United States, that have reportedly caused confusion and distress in the international community. Mr Duterte is also seeking warmer relations with China. Alvarez said the Philippines had become used to being subservient to the United States,

its longtime ally with which it has a Mutual Defense Treaty. But Mr. Duterte is taking a different tack and is being more assertive when it comes to defending and pursuing his country’s interests. Careful talk

“Pursuing an independent foreign policy is good for us. We’re so used to being independent and subservient to what the US wants,” Alvarez told reporters in Tokyo. “The problem is this. We’re very careful in not saying anything against the US. That’s our culture. I think we have to change that. We have to be frank in pursuing our own national interest,” the Speaker added. As to whether the United

States needed to be concerned about the new Duterte administration policy, Alvarez said: “There is nothing to worry about as long as you do not have any bad intentions with any country.” He said Japan, an ally of the United States, should not worry about Mr. Duterte moving away from Washington and establishing better ties with Beijing. “We are all neighbors in Asia. We should befriend our neighbors and we should bond together as Asians,” he said. The Philippines wants to maintain diplomatic ties with all countries in the world, Alvarez said. Asked about Mr. Duterte’s hostile comments about the United States, he said this “depends on the interpretation of the listeners.” ■

PHL’s Nicole Cordoves is 1st runner up in Miss Grand International 2016 BY JANICE M. CAVE Philippines News Agency MANILA — Nicole Cordoves, the Philippines’ bet to Miss Grand International 2016, placed first runner up during the pageant night held at Westgate International Theater in Las Vegas on Oct. 25 (Oct. 26 in Manila). Indonesia’s Ariska Putri Pertiwi was named Miss Grand International 2016. The 4th runner up was Michelle Leon (USA); 3rd runner up was Madison Anderson (Puerto Rico); and 2nd runner up was Supaporn Matisorn (Thailand). This is the second straight year that the Philippines made it to the pageant’s top 5. Last year, Philippine bet Parul Shah was named second runner-up. In the final question, “If you had to choose one of these two people to help you stop the war and violence, who would you choose between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton and why?” both Cordoves and Leon

Nicole Cordoves.

answered they would choose Trump over Clinton, which earned them boos from the crowd. The bets from Puerto Rico, Thailand and Indonesia answered they would want the Democratic presidential bet help them in stopping war and violence. During the question and an-

COURTESY OF BINIBINING PILIPINAS

swer portion, the 24-year-old Cordoves said, “if we choose him to switch to our side, there won’t be war and violence anymore... let’s keep the peace and let Donald Trump switch to our side to stop war and violence.” It was also announced that Vietnam will host the pageant next year. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

DOJ OKs filing of illegal possession of arms raps vs Davao blast suspects BY JODEE A. AGONCILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer

Army and the Philippine National Police last Oct. 4 in Cotabato City. DOJ said that records show MANILA — The Department the complainants merely of Justice (DOJ) has approved stopped respondents after they the filing of illegal possession were found to have violated charges against the three mem- the law and acted suspiciously. bers of the Maute Terrorist Aside from the fact that the reGroup who were allegedly the spondents’ motorcycle had no perpetrators of the Davao City plate number, they were also blast last September 2. seen by complainants turning In a resolution dated Oct. 18 their motorycycle around to but was only released Tuesday, evade the checkpoint deliberthe DOJ recommended that the ately. resolution be approved and reIt added that respondents spondents as TJ Tagadaya Ma- failed to present any docucabalang, Wendel Apostol Fac- ment for the motorcycle and it turan, and Musali Mustapha, was only time the respondents be indicted for were asked to violation of Realight the motorpublic Act 9516 cycle and were for illegal possearched by the session of exploDOJ said complainants sives, firearms that records which yielded and ammunition show the unlicensed firefiled by the Philcomplainants arms and exploippine National merely sives. Police-Criminal stopped Confiscated Investigation respondents from the susand Detection after they pects were variGroup (PNP-CIwere found ous components DG). to have for improvised “We take judiviolated the explosive decial notice that law and acted vices, a sub-maby virtue of procsuspiciously. chine gun, a .45 lamation No. caliber pistol, 55, dated Septheir motorcytember 4, 2016, cle, and various the country was cellular phones. placed by President Rodrigo “We now come to the crimiDuterte under a state of Na- nal liability of respondents. tional Emergency on account We find all respondents liable of lawless violence in Mindan- for violation of R.A. 10591 (the ao. The checkpoint conducted comprehensive firearms and by complainants was pursuant ammunition regulation act) to said President Proclamation and violation of P.D. No. 1866, and warranted by the exigen- as amended by R.A. 9156,” the cies of public order, “said the DOJ statted. resolution signed by Senior AsEarlier, Ong clarified that sistant State Prosecutors Peter the resolution is based on the L. Ong, Assistant State Prose- raps for violation of Republic cutors Susan B. Azarcon, Ferdi- Act 9516 for illegal possession nand Fernandez and approved of explosives, firearms and amby Prosecutor General Claro munition filed by CIDG and not Arellano. on charges in relation to the But based on their counter Davao blast. affidavits, the three denied that He noted that the Davao prosthey were arrested on board ecutors are handling the case in a motorcycle with no license relation to the blast which left plate in a mobile checkpoint by 15 people dead and injured 70 joint elements of the Philippine others. ■

Philippine News

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Jittery BPOs knock on Du30’s door BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE IT-BUSINESS Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) is seeking audience with President Duterte after his latest pronouncements on the country’s relations with the United States sent a new wave of jitters among IT and business process management firms. Duterte’s latest controversial remark on the country’s “separation” from the US has created uncertainty and apprehension among IT-BPM companies in the Philippines as 77 percent of their business is dependent on American companies and cli-

ents. “We continue to monitor the developments given President Duterte’s pronouncement regarding our military and economic ties with the US. IBPAP has formally reached out to the Office of the President to secure an audience with him and directly discuss our concerns) with the government,” IBPAP said in a statement on Friday. Investors in and stakeholders of the IT-BPM industry—whose contribution to the economy has already surpassed that of the remittances of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)—have also raised concerns about what was perceived to be a growing instability under the Duterte administration.

Remarks against the US, European Union and the United Nations—historically among the country’s biggest economic and development partners— were feared to have eroded the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination. The IBPAP further noted that like what it had been doing in the past, it had “sought clarity on the government’s position on the matter and secured an official statement (on Oct. 21) from the Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima.” Salalima was quoted as saying that “all business investments, contracts and commitments, local and international,

Duterte details Scarborough Shoal talk with Xi BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday discussed in detail the conversation he had with Chinese prime minister Xi Jinping during his state visit to China where the two leaders discussed the disputed Scarborough Shoal. “We didn’t talk of arms; we didn’t have discussion on war. We talked about how we can help one another,” Duterte said in Filipino during his visit to typhoon-stricken Cagayan. Both leaders asserted their countries ownership over the disputed waters, according to Duterte. “He (Xi) said, ‘This is really ours historically and we won’t give up on this.’ I said, ‘especially us because we won in court,’” Duterte said. Despite Duterte’s mention of the United Nation’s Arbitral Tribunal award that affirmed the Philippines’ interest over another disputed territory, Spratly’s Island, Duterte said, “I will not insist now, I will not impose now.” The arbitral tribunal on July also disproved China’s historic claim to the Island. “The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for

in the country will be honored by the Philippine government, consistent with the nonimpairment and due process clauses in the Philippine Constitution and existing laws of the land.” The DICT chief further assured the IT-BPM firms that “this pledge that has been made by the President is sincere ... and he will be true to his words.” The group is likewise pinning its hope on what Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said last week that “in terms of economic [ties], we are not stopping trade, investment with America … The President specifically mentioned his desire to strengthen further the ties with China and the Asean region which we have trading

Pres. Duterte vows current generation of OFWs will be the last BY CIELITO M. REGANIT Philippines News Agency

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, accompanied by People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping, observes the Philippine national anthem during the arrival ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / PNA

China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line,” the award read. Duterte also ruled out the idea of going to war in order to resolve the dispute. “I will not go to war now. I will not waste the lives of my soldiers,” he said. Both leaders agreed to settle the dispute through bilateral talks but China said it would take time, according to Duterte. Although China and Philippine’s joint discussion on the disputed waters won’t be happening any time soon, Duterte sees no problem as long as the claim follows the arbitral tribunal’s ruling.

The Philippines and China will continue to discuss the maritime dispute as the issue “can’t be left hanging,” he added. Duterte also said that local fishermen may be able to fish in Scarborough Shoal again but “we just have to wait for a few more days.” Once Filipinos are able to fish again in Bajo de Masinloc, the local name of the island, Duterte asked the locals to avoid fishing in the shallow area of the island where fishes breed as it could threaten the stability of marine life there, a plead China accepted and vowed to fulfill. However, Duterte is uncertain if his new ally would comply. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

with for centuries. But we definitely won’t stop the trade and investment activities with the West, specifically the US.” Just last month, IBPAP sent a letter to its member firms to pacify foreign outsourcing companies, as it stressed that “despite all the noise, there is no real threat to businesses.” The IT-BPM expects to generate $25 billion in revenue and employ 1.3 million this year. Over the next six years up to 2022, the industry is looking to double these numbers on the back of sustained government support and strong economic growth, as well as the continued availability of skilled workers to meet the industry’s requirements. ■

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday vowed to work hard to improve the country’s economy so that the next generation of Filipinos would no longer need to leave home to find well-paying jobs abroad. The President made the promise to the Filipino community in Tokyo shortly after his arrival in Japan for a threeday official visit. “Ito ang pangako ko... at sana naman sa Diyos at sa inyo... ang pagtrabaho n’yo sa labas, hanggang diyan na lang. Next generation, sa Pilipinas na lang (This is my promise to God and to you that the next generation will find jobs at home),” he said to the applause of the Filipino community. “We have to improve the economy. That is the only way to really.. na balang araw hindi ka na babalik dito. Na kung balik-balik ka dito, bakasyon ka na lang (that one day, you return here not to work but to spend a vacation),” President Duterte said. Earlier, during his departure

speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2, the President said that his official visit to Japan will be a valuable opportunity to further deepen and broaden Manila’s relationship with Tokyo, “our country’s valued strategic partner and one of our true friends.” “With Japan as the Philippines’ top trading partner, I shall seek to sustain and further enhance our important economic ties,” he said. President Duterte said he looks forward to meeting business leaders in Japan and to inform them that the Philippines is now open for business. He said he intends to invite Japanese businessmen to invest in infrastructure development in the Philippines and in high-quality and modern public transportation. “The visit will be an opportunity for me to personally thank Japan for its preeminent and peerless role as the Philippines’ development partner. I shall seek the strengthening of this role through more high-impact projects that will benefit our nation,” President Duterte said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Labor dept to craft Why is Digong keen contractualization on revisiting Mamasapano? Who got $5-million reward also to be investigated policy based on proposals of employer, labor groups

BY JODEE A. AGONCILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY LEILANI S. JUNIO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Wednesday his department will formulate a policy on employment contractualization based on the proposals of employer and labor groups before the end of the year. “We will come up with a policy or guideline that will be enforced by the department before the year ends. We will decide whether we will end contractualization, allow contractualization, or come up with a balance of the two positions,” Bello said after a high-level dialogue between representatives of employer and labor groups held at the labor department in Intramuros, Manila. He also affirmed that the department is studying the “winwin structure” proposed by the trade department and supported by various employers’ groups, among them the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce, and Philippine Association of Local Service Contractors. The trade department’s “winwin structure” suggests that workers be hired as regulars by their contractors with full benefits, including leave credits, 13th month pay, SSS and Phil-Health, among others. Under the structure, workers get deployed or re-deployed to principals when needed, while companies/principals will have the flexibility

to hire workers as regulars or outsource due to seasonality or specific functions. It requires the strict compliance of service providers in giving full benefits to the workers. The labor groups, on the other hand, will come up with their own unified proposal after a Visayas and Mindanao Islandwide Summit. Last Oct. 17, representatives of various labor groups gathered at the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in Quezon City for the Luzon Labor Summit and submitted an initial proposal. The labor summit was convened to gather inputs from the labor sector regarding the implementation of labor and employment strategies, policies, programs, and activities that will support efforts in translating Bello’s eight-point policy agenda. Earlier, Bello expressed confidence that the government could end all illegitimate contractualization practices in the country. “Putting a stop to ‘endo’ will not be that easy, but I am confident that with the determination of the department and the support of our partners, we can put an end to illegitimate contractualization, including ‘555’ and ‘endo’, and provide security of tenure to all our workers,” the labor chief said. ‘Endo’ refers to end of contract while ‘555’ is the practice of hiring workers for a period of five months only so employers could dodge granting them benefits. ■

BEIJING — President Duterte may seek a reopening of the investigation into the Mamasapano massacre, where 44 police commandos were killed in an operation to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, last year. Addressing a business forum here attended by Filipino and Chinese businessmen on Thursday night, Mr. Duterte mentioned the Mamasapano Government officials questioned at the 4th public hearing on the Mamasapano incident after pointing out clash. COURTESY OF SEN. GRACE POE'S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE how China was providing a “counterbalance” to the United States. which is not good. Let us go for Aquino ‘was responsible’ He said the country was griev- the truth. Let it out. Never mind “Filipinos, if you want to go to ing for its police commanders about corruption, too late in the war, go. As long as it is really the who died in that controversial day,” Mr. Duterte said. desire of the nation, to protect operation on Jan. 25, 2015. During his state visit, the itself,” he added. “Maybe in this… in the days President blurted out anti-US The Senate committee ahead, I will order the open- rhetoric in all his public ad- on public order chaired by ing of that issue again. (It’s) not dresses, culminating with a Sen. Grace Poe—one of Mr. really to prosecute people but declaration of his “separation” Duterte’s rivals in the presijust to know what happened. from the United States on the dential elections—conducted Who got the five an inquiry into million,” Duterte the Mamasasaid. pano massacre The President and concluded was referring to These were the lies that were in its draft rethe $5-million imposed upon the people which is port that Presireward for the not good. Let us go for the truth. Let dent Benigno S. terrorist’s capit out. Never mind about corruption, Aquino III was ture which was too late in the day. “ultimately respeculated to be sponsible for the motivation the outcome of for the operation the Mamasain Mamasapano, Maguindanao. military and economic fronts. pano mission and must bear Duterte said he would also “It (US) is not ready to go to responsibility” for the clash, like to know “whether the tip war because they are not ready which happened at a time of Marwan’s finger was taken to die anymore,” Mr. Duterte peace negotiations were ongoby US Special Forces or if it was said, adding that whenever US ing between the government brought to the forensic division Special Forces go home from an and Moro rebels. in (Camp) Crame.” overseas assignment, there is There were questions on the always a lot of crying and criti- US role in the operation but DeNever mind corruption cism. There’s much “filibuster- partment of Justice investiga“These were the lies that ing about the loss of an Ameri- tors ruled out direct American were imposed upon the people can life,’ he said. involvement. ■

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Philippine News

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Duterte defuses... moth China. Returning home Friday after a fourday state visit to China, President Duterte told reporters that what he meant was that he was moving for a “separation of a foreign policy” but not a parting of ways with traditional ally, the US, which hosts a vast number of Filipino migrants. “You know, you have to take my words in the context of what I have been saying all along. It’s not severance of ties. When you say severance of ties, you cut the diplomatic relations. I cannot do that. Why? It’s to the best interest of my country that we maintain that relationship,” Mr. Duterte said in Davao City. He said it was impossible to cut diplomatic ties with the US, where many Filipinos live. “Why? Because the Filipinos in the United States will kill me,” Mr. Duterte said. Speaking in Beijing on Thursday, Mr. Duterte announced his “separation” from the US, both militarily and economically, to pave for a new commercial alliance with China. Beijing has responded by agreeing to resolve a long festering South China Sea dispute bilaterally through the talks, and by pledging billions of dollars worth of trade deals. Proclaiming that “America has lost,” Mr. Duterte sought to align himself with China and said Manila would henceforth be more dependent on Beijing. The sudden shift in foreign policy caught many by surprise, with government spokespersons scrambling to interpret what he meant and its implications to regional security. Japan, where Mr. Duterte is expected to visit next week, as well as Washington, were equally puzzled. But President Duterte stressed on Friday that the country always took its cue from the US and it was high time the country took a differ❰❰ 1

ent tack. He said the government may terminate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that allowed temporary basing rights and prepositioning of American military articles on local soil. “But I would have to consult the military, the police and everybody because at the end of the day, it is all security,” Mr. Duterte said. His spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the government would not turn its back on deals and treaties that have been agreed upon, but was only exploring new alliances. “This is not an intent to renege on our treaties and agreements with our established allies but an assertion that we are an independent and sovereign nation, now finding common ground with friendly neighbors with shared aspirations in the spirit of mutual respect, support and cooperation,” Abella said.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping review the honor guards during the arrival ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / PNA

“Based on his extensive, colorful previous comments, there is greater clarity that we would like to get about the intent of President Duterte and his government,” White House spokesperson Josh Earnest told a press briefing in Washington. “But based on what you’ve read me, that seems to be a change in tone that is more consistent with the seven decadelong alliance between the United States and the Philippines,” he said.

Hostile

But even before his trip to Beijing, Mr. Duterte has been issuing increasingly hostile statements against the US, with which the Philippines has a Mutual Defense Treaty. He has hit out at the US government for airing concerns about the mounting death toll in his antidrug campaign, and has moved to stop joint patrols with the American naval forces in disputed waters. He has also said this month’s PhilippineUS military exercises would be the last. The Philippines was instead looking to expand bilateral and economic alliances with China and Russia, he said, ‘Conflicting statements’

The White House responded to Mr. Duterte’s speech by saying there were “too many” conflicting statements coming from his office, but nonetheless welcomed the apparent about face.

tional interest,” he claimed it was “demanded in pursuing our independent foreign policy.” “It implies breaking away from the debilitating mindset of dependency and subservience that have perpetuated our ‘little brown brother’ image to America, which has stunted our growth and advancement,” Yasay said. Senator Richard Gordon for his part described Mr. Duterte as a “a very unorthodox President.” ‘Surreal’

‘Rebalance’ to Asia

The US, Manila’s former colonial master, sees the Philippines as a key ally in its “rebalance” to Asia as it seeks to offset a rising China. And is sees the President’s recent pronouncements as a “troubling rhetoric” that is “inexplicably at odds with the warm relationship that exists between” Filipinos and Americans, US embassy spokeperson Molly Koscina said.

“I don’t think he really meant it, I’m sure the President understands our national interest. He mentioned that. And I think he understands what he is doing,” Gordon told reporters. “Are the Americans listening? Yes. We got their attention. Is Japan listening? Is China listening? Yes.” For her part Sen. Leila de Lima described as “insane” and “surreal” Mr. Duterte’s pronouncements. Turning point

‘Little brown brother’

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. on Saturday insisted the country needed to shed off its “little brown brother” image, but stressed said cutting ties did not mean “a severance of relationship or terminating the special bond between our two nations.” While he conceded that breaking away from the US “would not be in our best na-

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“Cutting off military and economic ties is only a degree less worse than cutting diplomatic ties,” said De Lima, a known political nemesis of Mr. Duterte. In his arrival speech, Mr. Duterte said the relationship with China was at a “new turning point” as the two countries were looking to resume longstalled regular bilateral consultations to discuss key issues, including those concerning the

South China Sea. Mr. Duterte trumpeted the achievements of his trip, including $24 billion in financial commitments that are expected to create two million jobs for Filipinos. “My state visit to China signaled a turning point in our shared history and showed that both countries are fully capable of working together for mutual beneficial cooperation even as we remain committed to settle disputes peacefully, in full adherence of international law,” Mr. Duterte said. He said Chinese officials have agreed to fully resume regular bilateral consultations which were put on hold for several years as ties chilled following the South China Sea wrangling. Promote peace

Mr. Duterte said both countries had also agreed to promote peace, freedom of navigation and overflights in the sea region, to prevent disputes from escalating. “We also agreed to continue discussions on confidencebuilding measures, including a bilateral consultation mechanism to discuss immediate issues of concern in South China Sea,” he said. Beijing had steadfastly refused to acknowledge an arbitration ruling in July that found in favor of the Philippines, which took China to court after a 2012 standoff at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. The court had invalidated China’s claim. Mr. Duterte said he brought up the issue of Filipinos’ fishing rights in Panatag Shoal, but declined to elaborate. The President also said that during his China trip, the coast guards of the two countries agreed to cooperate to minimize incidents at sea. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

CA junks MR of 8 Navy men charged in Pestaño murder case PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Court of Appeals denied the motion for reconsideration filed by eight of the 10 Philippine Navy personnel seeking to nullify the arrest warrants issued against them by the Manila City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in connection with the murder of Ensign Philip Pestaño in 1995. “The Court denies the petitioners’ motion for reconsideration absent valid legal basis to modify, reverse, and set aside the decision,” the CA said in a two-page resolution penned

by Associate Justice Nina Antonio-Valenzuela, the former Special Sixth Division. The appellate court also said that petitioners failed to present new arguments that would warrant the reversal of its decision issued on April 29, 2016. In the said decision, the CA did not give credence to the claim of the accused that there was no probable cause for the issuance of an arrest warrant against them because the evidence of the case shows that the petitioners were not guilty of murder. The CA pointed out that at the stage of determining probable cause for the issuance of

a warrant of arrest, a judge is not yet tasked to review in detail the evidence submitted during the preliminary investigation. The appellate court did not give merit to the claim of the petitioners that Manila RTC Judge Josefina Siscar committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing directing the issuance of a warrant of arrest against them last July 23, 2013. The petitioners argued that Judge Siscar’s verdict was not based on the evidence submitted at the preliminary investigation but on the resolution of the investigating officer and on the memorandum of the Office that conducted the preliminary

investigation. “As we stated in the decision of April 29, 2016, the respondent judge based her finding of probable cause and issued the corresponding warrant of arrest after personally examining the records of the case,” the CA stressed. “At the stage in the proceedings before the RTC, the respondent judge’s duty was to determine mere probability (and not certainty) of the guilt of the petitioners,” it added. Among the Navy personnel issued with arrest warrants were Retired Navy Capt. Ricardo Ordoñez, Cmdr. Reynaldo Lopez, Lt. Cmdr. Luidegar Casis, Lt. Cmdr. Alfrederick Alba,

Lt. Cmdr. Joselito Colico, Hospital Man 2 Welmenio Aquino, Machinery Repairman 1st class Sandy Miranda, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Mil Leonor Igcasan. Retired PO1 Carlito Amoroso and retired Lt. Cmdr. Ruben Roque, who were among the accused in the murder of Pestano, were not among those who filed the appeal before the CA. The CA had earlier affirmed its decision allowing the Manila RTC to proceed with the trial of the murder case filed against the Navy officers. It also directed the transfer of the accused navy officers from the military custody to the Manila City jail. ■

Migrante Canada and Bayan Canada statement on the recent violent dispersals of rallies of people’s organisations MIGRANTE CANADA and Bayan Canada vehemently condemn the violent dispersal of the October 19th rally led by Filipino indigenous and Moro peoples by Manila police in front of the US embassy in Manila. Police hit rallyists with truncheons with maximum force, using water cannons and teargas bombs against them. The police, moreover, rammed a van into the crowd, which, in its going back and forth, hurt and nearly crushed several people under its wheels. The arrest of at least 29 demon-strators was also marked with violence, including the violent beating up by truncheons of the driver of the vehicle carrying the demonstrators. We also condemn the violent dispersal, using water cannons, of the October 18th rally, also composed of national minorities and their advocates in front of Camp Aguinaldo, the main camp of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Lumad, Moro, and other national minorities held these rallies to highlight the 2 week-long “Lakbayan ng mga Pam-bansang Minorya,” wherein they sought to highlight calls for the pull-out of military troops from their communities, the end of

human rights abuses, and re- ippine government and the Na- Rogelio Dela Rosa has indeed spect for their right to self-de- tional Democratic Front of the discharged Colonel Marcelino termination. Philippines. Pedrozo, Jr., we need more inThese violent dispersals of Finally, we condemn the vio- vestigation into how the decirallies, the first violent inci- lence as a very obvious attempt sions were made. dents on Manila’s streets of by the US to derail and destroy The president, currently in people’s organizations under the ongoing peace talks be- China, and who has already the cur-rent government, ex- tween the Philippine govern- declared there would be an inposes the utterly shameful ment and the NDF. vestigation, has also said that habit of servitude and the menWe hold these armed forces he had previously laid down a dicant posture of maximum tolerthe armed might ance policy reof the Philipgarding protests pine government and rallies. And to the United We hold these armed forces yet, commandStates governresponsible for the recent fascist ing officer Col. ment. We conattacks on people’s organizations Mar-celino Pedemn this outand call for an investiga-tion into the drozo, Jr. of the right violation interference of the U.S. Embassy in Manila Police by the armed Manila in the civilian affairs of the was caught on forces of the country. video directpeople’s right to ing his forces free speech and to do their duty democratic right to “fight back” to gather freely. responsible for the recent fas- and to arrest as many as they We also condemn it as a vio- cist attacks on people’s orga- could. We strongly condemn lation of the Comprehensive nizations and call for an inves- this return to fascistic methods Agreement on Respect for Hu- tiga-tion into the interference that have been used on peoman Rights and International of the U.S. Embassy in Manila ple’s democratic organizations Humanitarian Law (CARHRI- in the civilian affairs of the through the decades since the HL) jointly signed by the Phil- country. While PNP General Marcos regime. www.canadianinquirer.net

It is now doubly ironic, because of President Duterte’s pronouncements in China, that the rallyists were calling for a stop of US military intervention in Philippine affairs, and the plunder of the riches in their ancestral lands by American and oth-er foreign companies. These calls have exactly the same intent as the words of President Duterte, when he gave a rationale for his government’s independent foreign policy. Now, he has already pronounced, while in China, his “split” from the US, economically and politically. These concepts cannot become different in their essence when they are voiced out by the Fili-pino people. They can only become stronger because they come from their very lives! We call upon President Duterte and his government to continue to heed the voice of the Filipino people and let their voice ring free of the violence brought about by the fascistic sectors of its armed forces. Stop militarization in the communities of the national minorities! Stop foreign plunder of Philippine natural resources! US out of the Philippines! ■

Opinion

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

PUBLIC LIVES

Method in the madness? By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer IN HIS public appearances here and abroad, President Duterte has been using a form of speech that may be likened to a dialect. He is not talking the way most heads of state talk. Too often, he has employed taboo language not usually heard in public discourse. That is why his official spokespersons—people designated to explain what he’s saying—are having a hard time interpreting his speeches. They can’t say for sure what he means, or if he means at all everything that he says. Yet, since he’s the president, they must assume that he does. The problem is compounded by the fact that the President also likes to speak extemporaneously in English, of whose idioms he clearly has no command. This makes his speeches seemingly accessible to foreigners, though in fact they are not. For example, I don’t think he is supposed to be taken literally when, during his recent visit to Beijing, he told his predominantly Filipino audience that he was inclined to form a triumvirate with China and Russia—“against the world.” That sounds more like a line from the 1974 song “You and Me Against the World,” than a serious foreign policy statement.

Anyone who proposes any- of being irreverent and funny by approval and trust ratings remain thing like that must be out of his mining the hypocritical side of a high. I think the surveys indicate mind, or is patently ignorant of speech culture. that Filipinos want him to succeed, the complex relationship between If he were not president, he and while they may be wary about China and Russia, or completely would probably have made an out- where he’s taking the nation, they misunderstands the nature of the standing Filipino version of Lenny are giving him the benefit of the contemporary world. Mr. Duterte Bruce or George Carlin. One can doubt. So, let us assume for a mocould be any of these. But, I prefer imagine these American stand-up ment that there is method in this to think he’s just joking. Perhaps artists having a field day satirizing madness. he may even be only half-joking. the world of diplomacy and govMr. Duterte would have thought Because of its barefaced absurdity, ernance to which they are outsid- that, because of his shady human the statement retains its plausible ers. But what a disaster it would rights record as Davao City mayor, deniability. be if President Duterte, or any he would never have been Amer“When people talk,” observes head of state for that matter, plays ica’s preferred candidate for the the psycholinguist Philippine presiSteven Pinker, dency. He would “they lay lines on have known that I think the surveys indicate that Filipinos want him to each other, do a anything he did in succeed, and while they may be wary about where he’s taking the lot of role-playing, his war on drugs nation, they are giving him the benefit of the doubt. sidestep, shillywould be subjectshally, and engage ed to the human in other forms of vagueness and such games within the system into rights and rule of law test by whiinnuendo. We all do this, and we which he has been thrust. chAmerica and the Westernworld expect others to do it, yet at the The least that could happen is put Third World autocrats on the same time we profess to long for that he would be misunderstood. defensive. In short, he would have plain speaking, for people to get to People would not know when he is known he had nothing to gain from the point and say what they mean, articulating policy or merely ver- trying to please the United States simple as that. Such hypocrisy is a balizing a personal angst. Without or the European Union or the Unithuman universal.” the benefit of clear policy state- ed Nations. Thus, he decided he did I think the President has become ments, his administration could be not need their approval. Perhaps so used to being applauded for his plunged into chaos. If he persists in he even believed that the only way folksy verbal games—such as when ignoring the procedural norms of he might earn their grudging rehe trails off with barely audible the institutional system over which spect is by antagonizing them. expletives to communicate mock- he presides, he could lose credibilBut China is a different matter. ing exasperation—that he has felt ity, and, before long, the authority First of all, it is known that Mr. confident to bring his signature to speak for it. Duterte is keen to set himself apart performance to audiences abroad. None of this is certain. Much de- from the pro-West elite that had What this really amounts to is pends on what public opinion en- ruled the Philippines for so long. nothing more than a particular way courages him to do, and, so far, his The pivot to China is an eloquent

expression of that wish. Secondly, by appearing to break with the West, he is telling China that he is not just another American stooge who speaks with a forked tongue. What might he hope to gain from this dramatic turn to China? Two things perhaps: One, he needs China’s presence to neutralize America’s power in the country and the rest of the Asian region. Two, he hopes to get China to jump-start the country’s own long-term agenda for self-propelling economic growth. It could be a clever strategy, but, to the extent that it entails burning longstanding bridges, it is one filled with incalculable risk for the nation as a whole. It fails to reckon with the enduring American influence that, whether we like it or not, resides in our people’s consciousness and is built into our institutions. In like manner, it overestimates the capacity of Filipinos to rise overnight above deeply rooted racial prejudices and take a purely pragmatic view of the country’s relationship with China. These factors are not only cultural; they are also structural. No single individual, not even the willful Mr. Duterte, can hope to overturn them in the short span of six years by a mere shift in rhetoric. Moreover, I also believe that no form of mendicancy can be good for our country. ■

ANALYSIS

Will Ramos criticism trigger defections? By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer CANBERRA—Fidel V. Ramos has fired a broadside at President Duterte and refused to join his entourage in his state visit to China. In his column early this month in the Bulletin, the former president and now special envoy to Beijing said Mr. Duterte was a “huge disappointment and letdown,” and that the administration was “losing badly” by giving priority to its war on drugs at the expense of issues like poverty, cost of living, foreign investments and jobs. Ramos listed focus areas that could have been “doable” if Mr. Duterte had “hit the ground running instead of being stuck in endless controversies over extrajudicial killings of drug suspects and his ability at using cuss words and insults instead of civilized lan-

guage.” The war on drugs, the single issue of Mr. Duterte’s first 100 days, has killed more than 3,000 Filipinos since he took office on June 30, with a number shot dead by policemen and the rest blamed by activists on vigilante killings incited by Mr. Duterte’s inflammatory statements. His take-no-prisoners stance has earned outrage and condemnation for violation of human rights from the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and international human rights organizations. Ramos raked Mr. Duterte over the coals on a broad range of issues including foreign policy and security alliances. He took Mr. Duterte to task for making “discombobulating” statements on PH-US relations, such as attacking US President Barack Obama at

the same time that the defense and finance secretaries were on a visit to America. Mr. Duterte has also said, variously, that Obama should “go to hell,” that he might “break up with the US,” and that the then ongoing PHUS war games would be “the last.” He has even challenged Washington to use the CIA to oust him, provoking the possibility that the US government would call his bluff. “So what gives?” Ramos asked. He expressed the forlorn hope that the next 100 days would be “much, much better,” and that Mr. Duterte would consider “the entire gamut of Philippine problems, starting with poverty.” In airing his criticism, Ramos stood on their head survey results showing that the President was enjoying high ratings for his first 100 days. Ramos’ broadside is comparable to his withdrawal of support,

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along with then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, from the Marcos dictatorship in February 1986, which triggered the People Power revolution that toppled the dictatorship. Recent surveys show that international outrage over the killings in the war on drugs is making a dent in Mr. Duterte’s popularity. According to Pulse Asia’s survey on Sept. 15-Oct. 1, trust in Mr. Duterte has slipped from 91 percent to 86 percent. At the international front, a dire warning was aired by the International Criminal Court. Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda of the ICC issued a statement in The Hague saying that her office was closely following developments in the Philippines and raising concern over the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug users and pushers. “I am deeply concerned about

these killings and the fact that public statements from high officials of the Philippines seem to condone such killings,” Bensouda said, adding: “Let me be clear. Any person in the Philippines who incites or engages in acts of mass violence, including by ordering, requesting, or contributing, in any manner, to the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC is potentially liable to prosecution before the court. “My office, in accordance with its mandate under the Rome Statute, will be closely following developments in the Philippines in the weeks to come and record any instance of incitement or resort to violence, with a view to assessing whether a preliminary examination [of ] the situation of the Philippines needs to be opened.” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

LOOKING BACK

‘King of the Philippines’ By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer Independence in a box—that was what Ruperto Rios promised his followers in Tayabas at the turn of the 20th century, when the Philippines was passed from Spain to the United States, making a stillborn babe of the Malolos Republic. One report on the Philippine resistance to US rule mentions outlaws, bandits, ladrones, and fanatics that we read little about in our textbooks, especially the fanatics: “Sorsogon suffered from fanatics under Antonio Colache, organized under the name of AntingAnting. Colache had served in the Spanish army and had been a lieutenant under Aguinaldo during the revolution. After his capture by the 47th Infantry he returned to his home and went into the hemp business but, becoming involved in debt, turned bandit. “Tayabas was cursed with the presence of Pope Rios; Leyte with Popes Faustino Alden and Rios; Pampanga and Nueva Ecija

with the Santa Iglesia Movement pine Constabulary chief (1905- cious than those dispensed by an under Felipe Salvador, and Cebu 1913), claimed the disbanding of ordinary padre. and Samar with the Pulajanes… the Rios Movement in Tayabas as “On one occasion he built a Pope Rios was typical of the fa- one of his achievements. When fire under a tree, and, by means natical leaders. He represented Ruperto Rios announced that he of a rope, descended through the himself to be an inspired prophet would enter Atimonan on Aug. 8 smoke announcing he had just and found little difficulty in im- (1902) and there be crowned king arrived from Heaven. He is also posing himself upon the ignorant of the Philippines, Bandholtz re- understood to have done a thrivand incredulous people of the ported: “Before that date, how- ing antinganting business, which, district in which he started his ever, I had personally visited Ati- however did not prevent many operations. He esof his followers tablished what he permanently redesignated as an tiring from busiAs Hijo de Dios (Son of God), he received confessions and ‘Exterior Municiness owing to begranted absolutions considerably below market price, and which pal Government’ ing perforated by he claimed were much more efficacious than those dispensed by and surrounded constabulary bulan ordinary padre. himself with a lets. staff consisting of “For some time one captain-general, one lieuten- monan and effected the arrest of he carried with him a box on the ant-general, 25 major generals, about eighty of his high ranking cover of which was painted the 50 brigadier generals, and a long officials, and the coronation was word, Independencia, and which list of minor officers. He declared postponed indefinitely.” was guarded by three picked virhimself the Generalissimo and Historians are fortunate that gins. He stated to the ignorant Viceroy and announced his in- Bandholtz produced detailed re- barrio people that the Filipinos tention to drive the Americans ports that provide more about had for a long time been strugout of the islands and constitute Rios: gling for independence which he himself as King of the Philip“As Hijo de Dios (Son of God), now had in his possession, and pines. He later announced him- he received confessions and that as soon as he was convinced self as the Son of God. Still later granted absolutions considerably that his followers deserved it, he he was hanged for his crimes.” below market price, and which he would remove the lid from the Harry Hill Bandholtz, Philip- claimed were much more effica- box, ‘Independencia’ would jump

out, they could catch her, and be every afterwards happy. “Another idea which these people had of independence was that once acquired, it would mean a go-as-you-please life; no taxes, no jails, and that each man could help himself to whatever he desired. Rios frequently concealed himself at night and would appear in the morning announcing to his followers that he had spent the evening in conversation with the Emperors of Russia and Germany, and the President of France, and that these potentates would soon send over large fleets which would distribute 10,000 arms with necessary ammunition on the shores of Tayabas province.” Rios was dismissed as a madman by the US colonial authorities and forgotten by Philippine history. But his tragic and comic story should be revisited to see if his definition or understanding of the words “independencia,” “kalayaan,” and “kasarinlan” is the same as ours in the 21st century. ■

AT LARGE

Better lukewarm than absent By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer For a while there, it looked like activists and political protesters were happy playing footsies with the police and military. Where normally activists, many of them from the Left, would be the first to raise a howl at any violation of the human rights of individuals—be they lumad, students, urban poor, or landless farmers—these days the same groups have been strangely silent in the face of the extrajudicial killings of about 4,000 suspected drug pushers and users. It didn’t seem to matter that most of those killed in street encounters were poor. Always the first to raise skepticism about the charges raised by police and law enforcers against the victims, in the past few months the usual suspects kept their unusual silence. No massive rallies, no waving of red flags, no raised fists and denunciations of state abuse. If any protests or denuncia-

tions took place, these were con- protesters were getting ready to ers. fined to the so-called “yellow” disperse after putting up a toPolice officials would later say forces, denigrated for their lin- ken show of anger at the United that they were forced to move begering loyalty to the Aquino ad- States and its supposed recalci- cause the protesters had begun ministration, or derided for their trant attitude toward China and throwing rocks at the van and paltry numbers and lukewarm PDut, when a bellicose police “threatened” the cops manning expressions of anger. major arrived on the scene and the gate. Video footage of the inBut better lukewarm than ab- started berating the policemen cident showed several activists sent, right? who had been merely keeping the falling under the van’s wheels. What happened to the once- peace. What provoked the officer to fiery forces of the order the police Left? Coopted to act even more by the Duterte aggressively toIf any protests or denunciations took place, these were administration, ward the protestconfined to the so-called “yellow” forces, denigrated for their and lulled into ers? Was the aclingering loyalty to the Aquino administration, or derided for cooperation by tion necessarily their paltry numbers and lukewarm expressions of anger. the onset of peace directed against negotiations bethe Duterte adtween the governministration—or ment and the NDF, as well as the The officer reminded the against the activists who were appointment of a few leftists to ground forces that they weren’t denouncing US interests, a target the Cabinet. So cheaply are prin- there just to watch the show but of the President’s ire? ciples and ideologies traded for rather to disperse the protest. In some ways, we should be political convenience. At this, the driver of a police van grateful for the police officer for These days, leftists are once parked in front of the embassy doing what he did—that is, to again frothing at the mouth over gate (supposedly to safeguard the show up the activists for what the violent dispersal of a rally embassy occupants) got his ve- they really are, sympathizers of staged in front of the gates of the hicle running and either crawled any government that would proUS Embassy. forward and backward or plowed voke their old “enemy,” the UnitAs some reports put it, the into the placard-bearing protest- ed States, and supporters of the

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communist Chinese government and ideology, whatever form it takes now. Rumor has it, after all, that despite China’s renunciation of “imperialist” intentions, the state continues to funnel funds to the remaining communists in our midst. Of course, we wish the peace talks now taking place in Norway a happy ending, or at least a satisfactory conclusion, one where the government does not end up giving up all the hard-won concessions it had bargained for through the decades of peace talks. There is, after all, value in putting an end to killings, ambushes, revolutionary taxes, all of which have bedeviled the Filipino people for many decades. But let’s not fool ourselves and pretend the “principled and passionate” activists of yore have no agenda other than peace. They’re after power, too, after all, which the present administration is using to thumb its nose at the Americans. ■

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Canada News Justin Trudeau greeted by heckles and jeers at youth labour forum BY TERRY PEDWELL The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Dozens of delegates turned their backs on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a youth labour forum in Ottawa Tuesday, using body language to show their frustrations over everything from global warming to so-called precarious work. Several rows of young people faced the back of the room as Trudeau began taking questions from two presenters. Many delegates heckled and jeered the prime minister, prompting him to criticize the back-turners for appearing to be unwilling to listen. Trudeau said the action sent the wrong signal to the other young people in the room. “It is a little bit frustrating for me to come in, sit down, look forward to hearing from you, talking with you and seeing a room full of people who are standing in a way that shows

they’re not listening,” Trudeau told the gathering. “And I think it reflects poorly on everyone who does want to listen and engage.” While Trudeau was applauded and cheered by some for defending himself, several delegates shouted back, calling the PM a “hypocrite” and holding signs reading “Keep the Promise.” Many of the delegates criticized the Liberal government for considering signing the Trans-Pacific trade deal and complained about recent comments made by federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau about the jobs young people can expect to find in the future. Morneau told Liberal party insiders in Niagara Falls on Saturday that the government needs to prepare for high turnover and short-term contracts among youth, because such jobs are here to stay. “How do we train and retrain people as they move from job to job to job? Because it’s going

to happen. We have to accept that,” Morneau said. He has since been criticized by the opposition Conservatives and New Democrats as being “arrogant” and lacking an understanding of the youth unemployment problem. Many young people at Tuesday’s forum, which was organized by the Canadian Labour Congress, voiced frustration about their employment prospects and booed as Trudeau also suggested that precarious work — including jobs with no pensions — is now a fact of life. “It’s simply unacceptable when the minister of finance is saying young people need to get used to precarity, young people need to get used to not having the same opportunity as other generations have had,” said Briana Broderick, a youth delegate representing the United Steelworkers union at the forum. “This concept that we won’t have as much as other generations had, that’s really frustrat-

ART BABYCH / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ing people.” The prime minister added that the issue of precarious employment is a major concern for his government; it’s why, he said, the Liberals pushed so hard to reach a recent agreement with the provinces to make improvements to the Canada Pension Plan. The youth unemployment rate is almost double the national average and has been that way since the 2015 election campaign, when the Liberals promised to create 125,000 jobs

annually for young people by spending $1.5 billion over four years on a youth employment strategy. Employment numbers for August showed the youth jobless rate was little changed from a year ago at 13.2 per cent. Vass Bednar, who chairs a new federal panel on youth unemployment, has warned the country could see economic and social ripples in the future without a clearer picture about where and how young people are failing in the labour market. ■

N.L. premier, aboriginal leaders make progress after Muskrat Falls meeting THE CANADIAN PRESS ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Premier Dwight Ball met for more than 10 hours with indigenous leaders as protesters continued to besiege the delayed Muskrat Falls hydro project in Labrador. Ball says the province and leaders from the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government

and the NunatuKavut Community Council made significant progress in resolving issues surrounding planned flooding of the Muskrat Falls reservoir. He says an independent expert advisory committee — made up of provincial, federal, municipal and indigenous groups — will be created to monitor the project. Todd Russell, the president

of the NunatuKavut Community Council, says the creation of the expert committee is a landmark development. Critics of the project are worried about methylmercury contamination when the 41-square-kilometre reservoir is flooded. Russell says he is confident the agreed proposal will stop environment contamination

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from affecting communities in the area. Last week, Nalcor agreed to remove more forest cover from the area to address the contamination concerns, but protesters say they also want all soil removed before the reservoir is created. About 50 protesters entered the central Labrador site on Saturday and occupied

an accommodation complex, prompting the company to remove at least 700 workers from the grounds. On Monday, the company obtained an injunction naming 22 people occupying the site for potential arrest. The head of Nalcor said in a statement that protesters are risking serious injury and has urged them to depart the site. ■

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

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Canada News

Private school in Alberta closed; province says insufficient accountability BY DEAN BENNETT The Canadian Press EDMONTON — A private school that oversees a large number of Alberta’s homeschooled students has been shut down foll`owing an audit that found numerous financial and conflict-of-interest concerns. Education Minister David Eggen announced Tuesday that the registration and accreditation for Trinity Christian School Association in Cold Lake had been cancelled, effective immediately. “Trinity has failed to demonstrate accountability of funding received from the government of Alberta,” Eggen told reporters at the legislature. “Trinity, as they were structured, represented about 30 per cent of all the home schoolers in the whole province,” he added. “The scale of it is quite large.” Trinity oversees 3,500 home schooled students and another 13 in a classroom setting. Eggen said parents have been contacted and arrangements will be made for the children’s education. Eggen said the decision follows a recent three-year audit into the association that found numerous spending irregularities. He said Trinity receives $5.5 million in public money a year, and that much of it was redirected to the Wisdom Home Schooling Society. The report alleged conflict of interest in lease and contract deals along with public money being spent to cover off ineligible expenses like babysitting and funeral expenses. There was also double-dipping on mileage. Public funds were spent on food, alcohol, gifts, gift cards, groceries, theatre tickets and other staff functions, said the

report. The report stated Wisdom has retained $988,000 in unclaimed parent funding over the past three years. “Trinity and Wisdom spent approximately 32 per cent of expenses on payments for staff and administration compared to a 3.4 to 5.6 per cent range in public boards,” said the report. It found the boards and administrations of Trinity and Wisdom are largely represented by two families, which the government didn’t identify for privacy reasons. The report found numerous cases of family members approving employment contracts for other family members. “Over the last three years ... total compensation to all members of these two families exceeds $2.76 million,” said the report. The head of Wisdom, Ken Noster, is also the associate principal at Trinity Christian School Association, according to information on the school Web pages. Noster could not be reached for comment. Richard Schienbein, the principal and superintendent of Trinity Christian, also could not be immediately reached for comment. Eggen said the province has notified the Canada Revenue Agency and the RCMP. “(It’s) for them to pursue the legal matter as to whether it’s fraud,” he said. Eggen said it’s critical to ensure public funds are spent properly. “It (the decision) is a good way to provide some reset and some confidence for homeschooling families that we are watching carefully how these monies are spent,” he said. ■

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Health Canada looks to revamp food guide as part of healthy eating strategy BY KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A Conservative senator who helped craft a report on the country’s obesity crisis is cheering the federal government’s plan to overhaul the Canada Food Guide, but wants Health Canada taken to task for what he considers flawed dietary advice. Sen. Kelvin Ogilvie, chair of a Senate committee that spent more than a year examining the obesity issue, said the review needs to address what he considers obvious problems, such as characterizing fruit juice as a healthy food choice. “When you take a glass of squeezed orange juice as the equivalent of roughly the sugar of five oranges in a single glass, that is obscene,” Ogilvie said in an interview Monday after Health Minister Jane Philpott unveiled the proposed changes. “Using an example like fruit juices as an example of a healthy diet is simply wrong.” Philpott used a key policy speech in Montreal to announce that Health Canada is launching consultations on revamping the venerable food guide — an exercise whose success needs to be measured in actions, not words, Ogilvie said. Part of the revision process will include looking at all dietary guidance on beverages, Health Canada officials said Monday, adding the department is very aware of the “debate” around juice and will take it into consideration while reviewing the guide. The guide, which was last updated in 2007, will be the subject of public consultations until Dec. 8, the government said. Ogilvie cheered the decision to update the guide, but said he has a hard time understanding how Health Canada can continue to defend it in its current form. “The statement by Health Canada that its food guide is fairly good, that it is based on science ... is absolute nonsense,” he said. Scientific eviwww.canadianinquirer.net

“We need to make choices that are good for Canadians, that will support them in making healthy choices, and we will obviously make sure that we will do that in a way that allows industry time to catch up.”

dence contradicts the guide in a number of areas, including carbohydrates, he added. “The minister needs to take Health Canada in this area and shake them by the neck,” he said. “How can they, today, make that statement that their food guide is based on science?” Philpott, speaking at the Cardiovascular Congress in Montreal, acknowledged that the long-overdue changes are likely to have an impact on the food industry. “We need to make choices that are good for Canadians, that will support them in making healthy choices, and we will obviously make sure that we will do that in a way that allows industry time to catch up.” The revision is part of a multi-year, healthy eating strategy that will also include regulations to eliminate trans fats and cut the amount of salt in processed foods. Health Canada says four out of five Canadians are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease or Type-2 diabetes. Statistics show that six out of 10 adults are considered overweight and nearly one-third of young people also fall into the overweight or obese category. The Health Department said it plans to updated dietary guidelines by the end of 2018 that will reflect the most up-todate scientific evidence on diet

and health. Other initiatives include updated nutrition labels on prepackaged foods and restricting marketing to children. Quebec has had legislation in place for years that restricts marketing and advertising to children, said Philpott, who added that the federal government will draw on that example for inspiration. “There’s evidence that children in Quebec have less consumption of fast foods, for example,” Philpott said. “We are now going to be looking at legislation and regulations at the federal level that will restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to kids.” The government is also watching closely as countries around the world take steps to curb consumption of sugary drinks, but it hasn’t made any decision to introduce a tax on soft drinks in Canada, she added. The Senate committee, which called on the government to consider a ban on advertising food aimed at kids and to consider a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, concluded Canada’s obesity problem will only worsen without intervention. The report found that the number of obese Canadians has doubled since 1980, while the number of obese kids has tripled. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

EU, Canadian leaders say free trade deal still possible BY RAF CASERT The Associated Press

Canada’s International Trade said after meeting with Wallonia Minister Chrystia Freeland says leader Paul Magnette. “And the she, too, is still hopeful that a Can- clear answer, at this stage, is no.” ada-EU trade deal can be salvaged, Even though Michel is eager to BRUSSELS — The European but “the ball is in Europe’s court.” sign the deal, Belgium’s byzanUnion and Canada tried to re“Canada’s job is done,” Free- tine constitutional setup means main upbeat Monday about the land told a hastily assembled every single region in the counprospects for their trans-At- news conference in the foyer of try needs to back it, not only the lantic free trade pact despite a Canada’s House of Commons. national government. As a result, small Belgian region persisting The expressed optimism that opposition from a region of 3.5 in its refusal to back the deal a deal could be secured within million could now nix a deal beunder the current conditions. days came as a surprise since tween over 500 million EU citiAfter the setback early Mon- Wallonia had said it has too zens and 35 million Canadians. day, EU President Donald Tusk many concerns with the pact to The EU’s executive Commisand Canadian Prime Minister overcome by Thursday. sion called for patience in an Justin Trudeau spoke by teleThe EU’s inability to sign attempt to save the free trade phone and the EU leader said would be a major embarrass- deal and had already dismissed afterward “there’s yet time” to ment and undermine the belief a Monday night deadline as find a compromise solution. that the world’s biggest trading counterproductive. A joint summit for signing the bloc is a trustworthy partner as it Magnette insisted he would long-delayed trade deal is sched- seeks similar deals with nations agree to nothing under the uled for Thursday, offering the like the United States and Japan. threat of an ultimatum but retwo leaders and Belgian officials Prospects for a signing cer- mained open to further talks. little time to persuade the Wallo- emony on Thursday looked as “Each time they put forward nia region to drop its opposition. good as dead on Monday after- such an ultimatum it makes a Without all Belgian regions noon when Belgian Prime Min- serene discussion and a demosupporting the agreement, Bel- ister Charles Michel admitted cratic debate impossible,” he gium cannot sign and the EU he could not get unanimity said. “I indicated that other needs unanimity from all of its amid Belgium’s half dozen re- parallel political contacts are 28 member states. gions and legislatures. still going on and that we could “We think Thursday’s sum“We have been asked to give a give counter proposals.” mit still possible,” Tusk said in clear answer today,” on whether The EU Commission, which pmp_MG_16-00700_Canada-Redesign_Poster_31_10x6"_v02 copy.pdf 1 23/08/16 15:57 a Twitter message. “We encour- Belgium could sign up as the last has negotiated the deal on beage all parties to find a solution.” of 28 member states,” Michel half of the 28 nations, insisted

Worldwide money transfer from just around the corner.

16-00700

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that this week’s summit was not the final deadline. “Now, we need patience,” EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said. “The Commission traditionally does not set deadlines or ultimatums.” Andre Antoine, the head of the Wallonia legislature, said on RTL network that “No, it will not be possible” to back the deal on Monday, arguing there were too many outstanding issues. Even if Thursday’s EU-Canada summit has to be called off, it could always be rescheduled when Wallonia has signed on to the agreement, Schinas indicated. Over the past week, Belgium missed two deadlines that the EU had set to agree to the deal and Canada briefly walked out of the trade talks before returning the next day. Freeland on Monday defended her decision last week to walk out on the talks in Brussels, calling it a “strong action” that had “the desired results.” “For us this is an excellent agreement ... Canada is ready to sign CETA, but the ball is in Europe’s court,” she said. “We wish them well and we hope

that we can get there.” Politicians in Wallonia, which is smaller than the U.S. state of New Jersey, argue that the proposed CETA accord — short for Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement — would undermine labour, environment and consumer standards. Proponents say it would yield billions in added trade through tariff cuts and other measures to lower barriers to commerce. At the same time, the EU says it will keep in place the region’s strong safeguards on social, environmental and labour issues. Magnette said a key hurdle was the issue of “private arbitration” in which multinationals can legally challenge governments on policies. He said Wallonia a better deal would bolster EU standards and set a strong precedent for other trade talks between Europe and trading partners like the United States or Japan. The trade talks with the U.S. in particular have run into huge resistance in Europe, drawing public protests. ■ Charmaine Noronha contributed reporting from Toronto.

World News

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Trump brand loses lustre with affluent BY MAE ANDERSON AND BERNARD CONDON The Associated Press NEW YORK — Event planner Beth Bernstein decided she had had enough with Donald Trump after his 2005 hot-mic boasts about groping women came to light earlier this month. She removed photos of weddings she had thrown at a Trump hotel in Chicago from her website, wrote to hotel staff to remove her from the list of “preferred vendors” and posted a sort of call to arms on her blog. “I simply cannot bring myself to walk in the door there any longer,” wrote the owner of SQN Events. Bernstein is not alone. Rates for rooms at Trump’s new D.C. hotel are being slashed as travellers weigh their options, and smartphone data suggest fewer people are visiting his properties compared to rival venues nearby. The Republican nominee for president is in danger of losing not just the election, but something dear to a man who claims the marketing value of his name alone is worth $3 billion: the many customers, mostly wealthy, who have stayed at his hotels, played a round at his golf courses or held galas at his oceanside resorts. Experts say the Trump brand is tarnished and at a tricky crossroads as his appeal shifts from the well-heeled, high-income people he has long courted to a more middle-class base, including the fervent fans he cultivated during the campaign. There is speculation that he could start a Trump media network as a right-wing alternative to major news outlets, drawing money from advertisers to make up for any weakness in his empire elsewhere. But he may have to pivot fast. “The current trajectory is very harmful to his businesses,” said Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at New York University. “Right now his brands cater to the affluent, who are disproportionately turned off by his activities.” Ever confident, the business mogul has denied his campaign has dimmed the gilded allure of his five-lettered name and has said, if anything, it has burnished the brand and boosted

his business. In a statement, Amanda Miller, vice-president of marketing at the Trump Organization, said: “The Trump brand remains incredibly strong and we are seeing tremendous success across business units.” That’s not clear, though, at Trump’s new hotel in Washington, which Trump has declared the “best” in the city. It appears to have gotten off to a slow start. A room at the Trump International Hotel with a king size bed and a city view could have been yours any night of the week starting Nov. 14 for about $505 or $555, according to a check of the hotel’s website last week. By contrast, five major luxury competitors in the city generally charged more — sometimes hundreds of dollars more — or were sold out. For instance, the St. Regis only had rooms starting at $975 on Monday and Tuesday. The Four Seasons in Georgetown had no rooms available at any price for those days, and the Jefferson Hotel for those two days plus Wednesday. Rates at the Trump hotel have continued to sink, too: By the end of last week, the price of many Trump rooms had been cut by 10 per cent or more. The managing director of Trump’s new hotel, which the candidate will formally open with a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, disputes that it is struggling. “With 10 years of experience with Trump Hotels, I can easily say the opening of Trump International Hotel, Washington, D.C., has been the most successful in terms of opening bookings, interest from groups and large events,” said Mickael Damelincourt in a statement. “The building itself is an American icon, and we’ve created a world-class hotel with the largest luxury ballroom in Washington, D.C.” Some customers are clearly turned off by Trump’s derogatory remarks about women and immigrants, though, and the fallout is spreading beyond the hotels. A woman angry about Trump’s groping comments, and that his daughter still supports him, has created the hashtag “GrabYourWallet” on Twitter to boycott the Ivanka Trump Collection, which includes handbags, shoes, jewelry and clothes. On Monday alone it was viewed more than

“He’s low on trust and high on arrogance.” GEORGE SHELDON / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

half a million times. Some charities, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation are considering moving events from Trump’s properties, including the Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida. The U.S. Golf Association faces pressure from protests to move the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open from a course owned by Trump, although no decisions have been made. It’s difficult to know how any future loss of hotel bookings and weddings, charity galas and tournaments could hurt Trump, because his businesses are privately held. But he is vulnerable because so much rides on his name. Unlike his golf courses, in which he has heavily invested, many Trump hotels and residential towers are owned by others who pay him to place his name over the entrance and for marketing and management services — and could possibly cut him out someday. That’s already being threatened at Trump Place in Manhattan. A petition to remove his name from the building, which he does not own, has gotten 328 names in a few days. One of the signers, Marjorie Jacobs, said the pressure has already led to new uniforms for doormen and other staff, ones that will no longer bear the Trump name. “He’s disgusting, and people are embarrassed to say where they live,” she said. Brand Keys, a research firm that polled 1,536 registered voters nationwide, said Trump’s comments about groping women has sent the premium www.canadianinquirer.net

you can charge for something bearing the Trump name down sharply. “How consumers feel about the brand and whether or not they’re more or less likely to engage with it has been affected,” said Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys. “People see a brand that had an image based on a glamorous lifestyle and a lot of money, and that is being been reevaluated by people.” In a statement, Eric Danziger, CEO of Trump Hotels, a collection of more than dozen hotels, called the Foursquare data “manipulated” and “inconsequential,” and said it does not “provide an accurate representation of our performance.” Not all the data point to a slowdown. After several bigname brands including NBC, Macy’s and others severed ties in July 2015 following Trump’s derogatory remarks about Mexican immigrants, but there has been no similar high-profile exodus since. And the home listing site Streeteasy compared prices for Trump-branded condos in 16 buildings in Manhattan to similar ones nearby and has found no evidence the brand has been damaged. In fact, Trump condos sold for 5.6 per cent more in August than they did a year earlier, versus a drop for rivals. Still, there’s evidence of a shift of Trump’s demographic base, from the affluent to the more aspirational middle class. Will Johnson, an analyst at research firm BAV Consulting, which monitors brand perception for 3,500 brands, said that

the Trump brand was “collapsing” among people with a household income of over $100,000 a year. “He really has alienated the upper socioeconomic group and the data has consistently shown that he is down on pretty much all the metrics we measure,” Johnson said. “He’s low on trust and high on arrogance.” On the other hand, his brand is resonating more among those who make less than $100,000 a year. During the first nine months of the year, among that group, there was a 21 per cent rise in people who think Donald Trump “cares about customers” and a 14 per cent increase in those who think he is a “visionary,” according to BAV. Some say Trump could capitalize on that shift. “In the short run, business gets damaged, but in the long run there’s a lot of opportunity with less aspirational brands that target the middle- and lower-class,” NYU’s Galloway said. “I think the Trump brand effectively dies in a Manhattan, but it thrives in some of the lower income, very red regions.” One way to do that: start a conservative media network, as some analysts have floated. “He could start the ultimate ‘bro’ news network that caters to his core constituency,” Galloway said. “He could out-offend Fox.” One hurdle: He would have to get a major cable or satellite company to give him bandwidth, and there isn’t much to go around. He could launch on a smaller scale on social media using Facebook or YouTube. The biggest test of the brand, of course, will come Nov. 8. National polls show Hillary Clinton with a clear advantage over Trump, and possibly winning even traditional Republican states such as Arizona. “I think at some point, probably after he loses the election, that we’ll do a reevaluation of what the brand means and what the brand stands for,” Brand Key’s Passikoff said. “You can’t continue the kind of activities and have these revelations without significantly affecting how the people see the brand. The man and the brand are inseparable.” ■ AP Business Writer Scott Mayerowitz in New York contributed to this report.

World News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Poland’s “Black Protest” for women’s rights demands free choice in family planning PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

Zac Goldsmith, former Conservative Member of Parliament & independent candidate for Richmond Park, addresses an anti-Heathrow rally in Parliament Square. MARTIN HOSCIK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

UK to decide on new airport runway in crowded London BY DANICA KIRKA The Associated Press LONDON — Britain’s government is expected Tuesday to back a plan to expand London’s Heathrow airport despite concerns about air pollution, noise and the destruction of homes in the capital’s densely populated western neighbourhoods. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will inform Parliament of the government’s decision on how to expand London’s airport capacity. The options include building a third runway at Heathrow, extending an existing runway there, or building a second runway at Gatwick Airport, south of London. The decision is only the first step, though. The government’s recommendation will be studied further and Parliament will vote in about a year. Most analysts expect the government to back one of the Heathrow options. Anti-expansion groups gathered in the village of Harmondsworth, near Heathrow and in Crawley, near Gatwick, to await the news. Neil Keveran has campaigned against Heathrow expansion for years and plans to fight on — even if the government goes for the third runway. “A monopoly at Heathrow will serve nobody,” he said. “It won’t be good for passengers, it won’t be good for other regional airports. I don’t believe the runway will be delivered. I think legal challenges, and if necessary direct action, will prevent the growth of Heathrow.”

London and southeastern England need more airport capacity to meet the growing demands of business travellers and tourists. Heathrow and rival Gatwick, 30 miles (50 kilometres) south of central London, have offered competing projects that will cost as much as 18.6 billion pounds ($29.1 billion). Whichever proposal is selected, homes will be destroyed and surviving neighbourhoods will have to cope with increased noise, pollution and traffic. The issue was so toxic that politicians created an independent commission to weigh the options — and it decided to expand Heathrow. But it is up to political leaders to make the final decision, and authorities have stalled. The upheaval prompted by Britain’s vote to leave the European Union pushed the issue back further. A furious public relations battle has raged, with placards all over London’s subway system, for example, extolling the virtues of Heathrow or Gatwick. The commission has already rejected other options, such as one backed by former London Mayor Boris Johnson to build a new airport in the Thames Estuary. John Allan, chairman of London First, which campaigns to make the capital business-friendly, told the BBC that the government needed to make up its mind. “What we want above all is more airport capacity in the southeast,” he said. “The most important thing is to get on with it. Even though it is only a step in the road, it is a very important step in the road.” ■

WARSAW — Warsaw witnessed Monday hundreds of black-clad women campaigning against a series of issues including mainly a project to alter the existing abortion law. They headed for the ruling Law and Justice Party (PiS) headquarters to present their demands. They were met with pro-life organizations supporters who shouted abuses and started sporadic scuffles but police intervention prevented the situation from escalating. Similar protests took place in other Polish cities including Lodz, Katowice, Bialystok, Wroclaw, Poznan and home of the “Solidarity” movement — Gdansk. Most of the participants demanded to uphold the existing law which allows woman to induce abortion in three cases: when pregnancy is a result of criminal act, when it endangers woman’s life or when there is a high probability of a grave and irreversible impairment of the

fetus or an incurable illness threatening the fetus’s life. The first “Black Protest” (also called “Black Monday”) was organized on Oct. 3 in an answer to Polish Parliament’s decision to reject a proposal to liberalize current abortion law. Shortly thereafter, it started deliberating about another deeply conservative plan to completely ban abortion but it was also rejected on Oct. 6. The existing law, according to a poll by Newsweek Polska, is supported by 74 percent of Poles and only permits around 2,000 legal abortions per year. The PiS-backed measure, however, does away with these exceptions and threatens jail time for women who break it. Furthermore, it would make it illegal to freeze embryos or to fertilize more than one egg at a time, measures aimed at curbing in vitro fertilization — a controversial practice in the largely Catholic country. As a result, the Polish society is split into two groups: conservative pro-life supporters and progressives that either support the existing consensus or want to liberalize the current abortion law. ■

T&T Supermarket Introduces New T&T Rewards Card Buy more, get more!

T&T’s grown to become Canada’s largest Asian supermarket chain. To thank you to our valuable customers, T&T is proud to announce the launching of the first Rewards Program which offers points for members to redeem amazing and collectable items as appreciation gifts. The brand new T&T Rewards Card will be available in all British Columbia stores and online beginning from October 14, 2016 (Friday). Every purchase of $20 will get 20 points to redeem limited time gifts items. This includes T&T Private Label Products and other popular lifestyle items. Our professional merchandising team will constantly sourcing new products to

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fulfill customer needs. To join, please register at T&T Rewards Card Kiosk located at participating store near you and receive a set of T&T Rewards Card instantly (One main card plus two mini cards). You can choose to register online at www. tntsupermarket. com or complete the application form provided at customer service counter. It’s easy! No purchase is necessary. Come to T&T to get a T&T Rewards card today, and start earning points. Buy more. Get more! For more information about T&T R e w a r d s Program, please visit www. tntsupermarket.com or speak to our customer service staffs.

OCTOBER 28, 2016

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FRIDAY

Community News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

SSS honors iRemit House to pass report for its reliable on P2k SSS pension hike payment services for OFW-members THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) honored iRemit Inc. with a special citation as SSS collecting partner for contribution and loan payments of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) at the Balikat ng Bayan Awards during the SSS 59th anniversary program at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall of the SSS main office in Diliman, Quezon City. Due to its strong and consistent performance in providing convenient and reliable payment services for SSS members based overseas, the Filipinoowned remittance company won as SSS Best OFW Collecting Partner for four straight years since 2010. It joined the distinguished Balikat ng Bayan Hall of Fame in 2014.

VANCOUVER Pathways to PR (Caregivers & TFW's in Canada) 22 Oct. 2016 Rm. 203, Multicultural Helping House 4802 Fraser St. Vancouver, BC V5V4H4 Liza (analizac@helpinghouse. org) Induction of New Officers & Halloween party 29 Oct. 2016 Renfrew Communiy Center Gym 2929 East 22nd Ave. Vancouver B.C. Nino Villanueva; Kris Salido (Mitzi D. Echague) 778.8980022/ 604.2201621 The Consul, Opening Night & Panel Discussion

Photo shows iRemit Chief Operating Officer Harris D. Jacildo (4th from right) receive the certificate of special citation on September 2 from (starting from left) SSS Senior Vice President for Account Management Group and Balikat ng Bayan Awards Committee Chairperson Judy Frances A. See; Social Security Commission members Ibarra A. Malonzo, Daniel L. Edralin, Diana Pardo-Aguilar, Eva B. Arcos and Bienvenido E. Laguesma; SSS Assistant Vice President for Retirement, Death and Funeral Benefits Administration Department Normita M. Doctor; and SSS Vice President for Treasury Division Guillermo M. Urbano, Jr. ■

UBC Opera 03 Nov. 2016 UBC Old Auditorium, 6344 Memorial Rd, Vancouver, BC Mosaic Immigrant Professionals Conference 05 Nov. 2016 Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel Look for Maria Poe > employment supports and programs conference (Immigrant Professionals Conference - Strategies for Success) OPM Jam 20 Nov. 2016 Massey Theatre Vancouver Fantastic5 Production The Jeepney Tour 2016, Spongecola

THE HOUSE committee on government enterprises and privatization will approve by November 15 its report on 16 bills all seeking a P2,000 across-the-board increase in the monthly pension under the Social Security System so the measures can already be tackled in the plenary. Rep. Jesus N. Sacdalan (1st District, North Cotabato), committee chairman, said they will approve the committee report with or without the presence of SSS officials on Nov. 15. The absence of invited SSS officials during the hearing last Oct. 18 delayed the panel approval of the committee report. Sacdalan said the committee approved the 16 bills last Sept. 7, after which the panel referred them to the committee on appropriations chaired by Rep. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles (1st District, Davao City) for the funding provision of the proposals. “The proposals then were given back to us after the appropriations committee acted on them. We are done with the committee report and it is only a matter of approving it on Nov. 15,” said Sacdalan. Rep. Gus S. Tambunting (2nd District, Parañaque City) said there is no justifiable reason to further delay the approval of the committee report especially since the P2,000 SSS pension

hike proposal was approved by both the Senate and the House during the 16th Congress. He said the proposal was vetoed by former President Aquino. “The bill has priority status this 17th Congress. This was thoroughly studied by both the Senate and the House during the 16th Congress. So whether or not the SSS officials will show up on Nov. 15, we need to discuss and vote on the committee report of the pension hike bills so it can already proceed thereafter to the plenary,” said Tambunting. Tambunting said the authors want to prove to SSS officials that the pension hike can be funded. “First of all, the collection rate of the SSS has not improved, it has remained at 40 percent. The lack of SSS funds is due to the unimproved collection rate of the agency,” said Tambunting. Secondly, Tambunting said the SSS has many idle assets which, when disposed, can boost the coffers of the SSS. “The SSS has a lot of idle assets, but the agency has not been selling them. Wala po silang ginagawa duon, di po nila binebenta, di nila pinapagalaw. They should sell these idle assets so the SSS can fund the pension hike,” said Tambunting, chairman of the committee on games and amusements. The 16 bills seek to amend

Section 12 of Republic Act No. 1161, as amended, otherwise known as the “Social Security Act of 1997.” About two million current and future SSS pensioners and their families stand to benefit from the proposal. The proposed amendment to Section 12 of RA 1161 provides that the minimum monthly pension shall be P3,200 for members with at least 10 credited years of service and P4,400 for those with 20 credited years of service. At present, the law provides for a minimum monthly pension of P1,200 for members with at least 10 credited years of service and P2,400 for those with 20 credited years of service. The 16 proposals are House Bill No. 18 by Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon; 71 by Rep. Alfredo Vargas; 208 by Rep. Micaela Violago; 405 by Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa; 414 by Rep. Tobias Tiangco; 475 by Reps. Carlos Zarate, Antonio Tinio, Emmi de Jesus, Castro, Arlene Brosas, Ariel Casilao, and Sarah jane Elago; 481 by Rep. Mark Villar; 1323 by Rep. Johnny Pimentel; 1036 by Angelia Tan, M.D.; 1552 by Harlin Neil Abayon III; 1836 by Rep. Bernadette HerreraDy; 1853 by Rep. Mark Go; 1856 by Rep. Sol Aragones; 1947 by Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto; 2277 by Rep. Gus Tambunting; and 3120 by Rep. Salvio Fortuno. ■

27 Nov. 2016 Massey Theatre 735 8th Ave. New Westminster, BC, V3M2R2

TORONTO PCCF Coed Cup Volleyball Fundraiser Tournament 12 Nov. 2016 Darcy McGee Catholic School 20 Bansley Ave. Toronto M6E 2A2 > Volleyball Fundraiser Tournament Give Love on Christmas 17 Dec. 2016 Canada Christian College, McVety Theatre, 50 Gervais Drive Toronto Ontario, M3C1Z3 > Benefit concert and Gala night www.canadianinquirer.net

CANADA EVENTS

Holiday Season Community class 17 Dec. 2016 Trinity St Paul Community

Center, 427 Bloor St W (two blocks west of Spadina), Gym Look for JB Ramos > Filipino Martial Arts

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Entertainment Jericho — the face that launches soaps BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer IT’S HARD to leave the Philippines, even for a while,” Jericho Rosales said of why he turned down acting projects abroad. His last international gig was the soap series, “Kusina Cinta,” that aired in Malaysia in 2014. “I didn’t get to do anything else after that, because I had to stay away for a longer period of time. It was difficult, because my family and work are here,” explained Jericho. He was first seen on Malaysian television in 2008 opposite Malaysian actress Carmen Soo in “Kahit Isang Saglit,” which also aired in Manila and Singapore. His 2000 drama series, “Pangako sa ‘ Yo,” which also featured Kristine Hermosa, was

shown in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, as well as in territories in West Africa and Latin America. “It makesmefeel giddy when people, even in Africa, would call me Angelo (his character in ‘Pangako sa ‘Yo’) when they see me in public, or when a Chinese businessman would approach me at an airline lounge to have a photo with me because he said his wife liked me,” Jericho recalled. According to ABS-CBN business unit head Ruel Bayani, “There’s no other Kapamilya actor who has sold more drama programs all over the world than Jericho. Heintroduced the Philippines to the rest of the world.” Bayani claimed that the country’s best-selling soap series (in terms of global distribution) in 2015 was “Bridges of

INSTAGRAM PHOTO

Love,” which also featured Jericho. This was why, Bayani said, Jericho remained the face of the network’s efforts to distribute its content to other parts of the globe. “Whenever ABS-CBN joins

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the annual Mipcom [event] in France, all the Kapamilya shows would be presented, but Jericho’s would always be at the center for everyone to see,” Bayani added. “He is known to many foreign buyers.”

Mipcom, International Market of Communications Programs in English, is an annual trade show held in October in Cannes. “I’ve always dreamed of sharing my work with people in different parts of the world, and ABS-CBN gave me that opportunity,” said Jericho, the star of the latest Kapamilya drama series, “Magpahanggang Wakas.” Jericho said most of his followers on his social media websites were from outside the Philippines. “I make sure to post captions in English, or sometimes, I provide translations,” he told the Inquirer. “It’s an exciting time for me. I hope to help elevate the quality of soap operas in the Philippines. I keep thinking, I should always give my best in every project, because people in other places would want to watch it.” ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Canadian crooner Michael Buble brings hip hop into the mix on ‘Nobody But Me’ BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press TORONTO — Michael Buble is venturing into musical territory that is both familiar and entirely new with his latest album “Nobody But Me.” The award-winning Canadian crooner hasn’t strayed from the upbeat pop tunes and swinging jazz standards that have become his signatures. But in a move that may raise eyebrows, the multiple Grammy and Juno winner decided to include a guest rap verse on the album’s title track, recorded by Black Thought of acclaimed hip-hop group the Roots. “I knew that he could bring it to another level,” said the Burnaby, B.C., native about the rapper (whose real name is Tariq Trotter). “I respected him as a musician. Listen, I thought he had a great vocabulary. I think he’s a highly intelligent human being, a kind human being. And the sense of rhythmic schemes, of stuff that I’d listened to, was always so good. “I knew what I wanted of the song,” he added. “I could hear this hip-hop beat ... with this kind of rockabilly jazz, Louis Primaesque arrangement. I had talked about different people, but the whole time, it was Tariq.” Others around Buble weren’t as certain. He said he started to receive calls from people saying he was at risk of losing his audience, and that there may be segments of his listeners who simply wouldn’t embrace the move. Buble said a phone chat with his publicist helped reaffirm his initial plan. “She said: ‘Honey, I’ve watched you fight the last year to own this record,”‘ he recalled. “‘I’ve watched you fight for the ability to sit and look journalists in the eye and tell them that you took chances and that you took risks and that you were

going to show them growth and you were going to make a statement.... Now, you’re telling me the night of the mastering that you were going to let these people stop you?’ “She gave me just the lift that I needed, because it’s scary when people tell you that you’re going to lose everything.”‘ “Nobody But Me” comes three years after the release of Buble’s blockbuster “To Be Loved,” which topped the charts in 11 countries and earned a Grammy for best pop vocal album. His seventh studio album marks a key first for Buble, who makes his debut as co-producer. “It’s like an actor who directs himself in a movie,” Buble said. “For me, it was a way for me to be more authentic in covering the standards, a way to really have a great sense of closeness to the songs for my audience. “When they put the earphones on and they listen to something like ‘God Only Knows,’ or when they hear me singing ‘The Very Thought of You’ or ‘My Baby (Just) Cares For Me,’ they get a sense of being right there with me, that intimacy.” Grammy winner Meghan Trainor is Buble’s duet partner on the track “Someday,” which was co-written by her and One Direction’s Harry Styles. One of Buble’s favourite tracks was his stripped-down cover of the Beach Boys’ classic “God Only Knows.” “I closed the lights off and put a picture of my kids on my phone and I sang the song — and I meant it,” said Buble, who shares sons Noah and Elias with wife Luisana Lopilato. “I sang it once. Not five times, not eight — one time through. Live. Weeks later, I would add a quartet to the performance. “And I think when people hear it, they can hear me smile. They can hear when I’m emotional.... I kind of missed those things in previous recordings.” ■

Wonder Woman named a special UN ambassador, despite protests BY MARK KENNEDY The Associated Press THE UNITED Nations celebrated Wonder Woman’s 75th birthday on Friday by naming the comic book character as its new Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Woman and Girls, despite frustration from both inside and outside the world organization that the spot should go to a real — and less sexualized — woman. The ceremony at the Economic and Social Council chamber, was marred by some 50 U.N. staffers who silently turned their back to the stage, some with their fists in the air. The super heroine’s image will be used by the U.N. on social media platforms to promote women’s empowerment, including on gender-based violence and the fuller participation of women in public life (using the hashtag WithWonderWoman). The push, hoping to reach young people, is backed by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros., which produce both comics and films featuring Wonder Woman. But an online petition , started by U.N. staffers, asked the Secretary General to reconsider the appointment, saying “The message the United Nations is sending to the world with this appointment is extremely disappointing.” As of Friday afternoon, it had more than 1,000 signatures. Honorary ambassadors — as opposed to goodwill ambassadors like Nicole Kidman and Anne Hathaway — are fictional characters. The U.N. previously tapped Winnie the Pooh to be an honorary Ambassador of Friendship in 1998 and Tinker Bell as the honorary Ambassador of Green in 2009. But the protest on Friday seemed to unnerve many of the U.N.’s press officers. The event brought together actress Lynda Carter, who played Wonder Woman in the 1970s TV series, and Gal Gadot, who has taken on the role in the forthcoming “Wonder Woman” film, as well as Girl Scouts in www.canadianinquirer.net

Gal Gadot will be playing the titular role in the forthcoming “Wonder Woman” film. HELGA ESTEB / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Wonder Woman T-shirts and U.N. staffers’ kids who skipped school, with one girl wearing a full Wonder Woman costume, complete with head piece. Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment, gave a speech in which she argued that stories — even comic book stories — can “inspire, teach and reveal injustices.” Carter, who gave a moving speech about how Wonder Woman embodies the inner strength of every woman, was the only one to acknowledge the protesters in her remarks, saying “Please embrace her. To all those who don’t think it’s a good idea, stand up and be counted.” Afterward, she said: “It’s OK that not everyone agrees, but get over it and say, ‘What else is new?”‘ The actress noted that she has weathered criticism of the role for years. “In the beginning, in the ‘70s, it was ‘Well, she’s objectified.’ It’s like, ‘She’s too tall, she’s too this, she’s too this,”‘ Carter said. ‘Oh, she wants to be a feminist?’” As for Gadot, she said after the event that, “I’m the kind of person who always looks at the halffull glass. I care for the people who care and I’m here for a wonderful cause today.” She added, through a thin smile: “That’s all what my focus is.” But among those thinking the glass was half empty was Shazia Z. Rafi, who previously headed an U.N. affiliated non-governmental organization and is now managing director of the con-

sulting firm Global Parliamentary Services. She argued that the choice of Wonder Woman was tone deaf at a time when real women are fighting against sexual exploitation and abuse. “I think it’s a lot of rubbish that you can appoint a cartoon female to represent gender equality in this day and age, even if it is to reach younger women,” said Rafi. “I’m not against cartoons. I think cartoons have a value. But that is not the issue.” Rafi said there were plenty of real heroines that could be the face for gender equality, including Nadia Murad, who has become the public face of the thousands of Yazidi women and girls who remain in sexual slavery, and Malala Yousafzai, who defied the Taliban to demand that girls be allowed to receive an education. The Wonder Woman appointment came after many women were dismayed that another man, Antonio Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal, was chosen to be the next secretary-general. Over 50 countries and many organizations lobbied for a woman and seven of the 13 candidates to replace Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1 were women — but none placed above third in the six informal polls. Rafi, who had campaigned for a woman to be appointed the world’s diplomat-in-chief, called it a “slap in the face of ❱❱ PAGE 27 Wonder Woman

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Lifestyle Canada’s top doctor shines light on family violence, calls statistics ‘staggering’ BY SHERYL UBELACKER The Canadian Press TORONTO — Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and murder — family violence is a pervasive but often hidden reality within Canadian society, says the country’s top doctor, who calls the scope of the problem “staggering.” “This is a serious public health issue in Canada, one that can have long-lasting and widespread effects on the health of individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Gregory Taylor, who on Friday released a 60-page report focusing on family violence. “The health impacts of family violence extend far beyond physical injuries and include poor mental health, psychological and emotional distress, suicide, and increased risk of chronic diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.” In 2014, the latest year for which statistics are available, almost 58,000 girls and women were victims of family violence, said Taylor, Canada’s chief public health officer. Every four days, one woman in Canada was killed by a family member; every six days, a woman was killed by an intimate partner; while a man was murdered by a partner every 23 days. “There’s no question that women bear the brunt of the most severe forms of family violence,” he said. “But men and boys are certainly victims as

well.” Some other findings in the report: Every day, about 230 Canadians reported being victims of family violence. Between 2004 and 2014, half of the child victims of familyrelated homicide were under age four. About 760,000 Canadians reported experiencing unhealthy spousal conflict, abuse or violence in the previous five years. Every day, eight seniors were subject to family violence. More than 766,000 Canadians over age 55 said they had experienced abuse or neglect in the previous year. “When I started to research this report, I really had no idea how big the impact was,” Taylor said in an interview Friday from Ottawa. “The estimates are that fully 70 per cent of family violence is unreported, so we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg.” Nora Spinks, CEO of the Vanier Institute of the Family, said domestic and family violence has always existed, so the issue isn’t new. “What is new is that we’re documenting it more, we’re aware of it more and we’re talking about it more,” said Spinks, speculating that family stress is likely one of the causes behind acts of domestic abuse. “Families are under enormous financial stress these days. Families are under stress because of the precariousness of our employment, because of demands related to caregiving, not being able to find a support

for the family,” she said from Ottawa. “It may also be related to an inability to communicate: we can’t find the words, so we express ourselves in different ways.” No matter the statistics, for those who are victims of violence or witnesses to violence, “it doesn’t matter if you’re one in a hundred or one in a million. You’re the one,” said Spinks. “And it’s going to impact you immediately. You’re going to feel the pain and it’s going to impact you over time — the trauma, the residual impacts of the violent episode.” Taylor’s report found that familial violence is particularly rife among Canada’s aboriginal peoples, whose multigenerational experiences of colonization, assimilation and racism have led to widespread substance abuse, poverty and despair in many communities. In 2014, indigenous Canadians were murdered at a rate six times higher than that of nonindigenous Canadians. Native women were three times more likely to report spousal abuse than non-native women. Taylor said 40 per cent of indigenous Canadians reported some form of abuse before age 15, compared to about 30 per cent of non-indigenous Canadians. Fourteen per cent of native women and five per cent of native men said they had been victims of physical and sexual abuse in childhood. Nine per cent of aboriginal people said they had experienced unhealthy conflict,

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abuse or violence committed by a spouse or common-law partner in the previous five years, compared to four per cent in the rest of the population. For women alone, the figures were 10 per cent and three per cent, respectively. People with physical disabilities or mental health conditions, as well as members of the LGBTQ community, also experience higher rates of familial and partner violence, the report found. Beyond its significant social, legal and health consequences, family violence also represents a major economic burden. Health-care costs associated with spousal violence alone are gauged at about $200 million a year, while the annual price tag for pain, suffering and loss of life related to family violence overall is estimated at $5.5 billion. But identifying the root causes of family violence is difficult, said Taylor, because the issue is “highly complex.” “We really don’t understand this,” he admitted. “And consequently, we don’t really understand what are the best interventions in trying to deal with that.” Taylor believes a huge barrier to addressing family violence is

that many victims keep silent, perhaps out of fear for their safety or the safety of their children, from feelings of shame or denial, or concern that they or their family will be judged or shunned by others. “We don’t talk about it perhaps because of stigma,” he said, suggesting that the first step toward reducing family violence is to break down the wall of silence surrounding the issue. “We need to really bring this out in the open. We need to talk about this. And I think we need to make it unacceptable in our society.” Spinks agreed, saying that family violence should be on everyone’s radar. “It’s not just the perpetrator or the victim of violence or the family or the extended family. Violence impacts all of us and we all have a collective responsibility to figure this out.” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

‘I just paint and paint’ A true sage, she’s devoted at least seven decades to art and maternal wisdom BY ERIC S. CARUNCHO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PROBLEM with being on the cutting edge, someone once said, is that oftentimes, you get cut. Araceli Limcaco Dans has never had that problem. In the seven decades or so that she has been painting, she has seen art trends come and go, all the various –isms—cubism, surrealism, expressionism both abstract and not. And except for a very brief period early in her career when she flirted with modernism ( just so she could understand what it was about, she says), she has resolutely stuck to her guns. “I’m a realist,” says Dans, now 86. That is very much in evidence in “Ang Mundo Ni Inay”, Dans’ last exhibit at Ayala Museum. “‘Ang Mundo Ni Inay’ explores the core of the Filipino feminine,” goes the exhibit catalogue. Judging from the subject matter of the paintings and a number of sculptures in painted paper clay, motherhood forms a large part of that core. It is a subject the artist is intimately acquainted with, having reared 10 children with her husband, the late technocrat Jose P. Dans, Jr. Also in evidence is the calado or lace that has been a recurring motif in Dans’ work. Beyond its subject matter, however, one might argue that Dans’ work is about painting itself. There is an unmistakable joy in the way the artist’s brush describes the play of light and shadow on a lace shawl, a sunflower or a mother’s face as she nurses her sleeping child.

Even when she paints inanimate objects, such as clothes hanging on a line above a lush garden, they glow with an inner life, the “is-ness” described by the mystics and various mind voyagers. The artist sees as one whose doors of perception have been cleansed. Thanks to her skill with pencil and brush, the viewer can see it, too. The label-headed might be tempted to call it “magic realism,” though from Dans’ perspective, is there really any other kind? Womanizer

In the heavy bombing that preceded the liberation of Manila, the barely teenage Dans fled Malate with her family with only the clothes on her back and her most precious possession, her palette box. Her father was an insurance man who, ironically, cared little about money or the future. He was a womanizer, good-looking and generous to a fault, at least as far as his friends were concerned. It didn’t make for the most stable household, and the end of the war saw her parents separated and the family going through difficult times financially. Luckily, Dans always had her art. “I’ve been painting since the age of eight,” she recalls. She had a natural talent for drawing, so it made sense that she would study fine arts, and she enrolled at the University of the Philippines in 1948. The School of Fine Arts was still in the bombed-out ruins of what is now the Department of Justice building in Padre Faura, but by the following year, the school would move to a Quonset hut in

the university’s new campus in Diliman. The dean at the time was none other than Fernando Amorsolo, and the faculty included sculptor Guillermo Tolentino, both of whom would become Dans’ mentors. “I was still young, only 16 or 17, but Amorsolo saw that I was a bit more advanced,” she recalls. This was confirmed when she joined a painting competition among the students, and her work—a portrait of a laundrywoman—won over the works of even the senior students. The director of the National Museum happened to be visiting at the time, and he bought her painting for the then handsome sum of P80. “I felt like I had won the sweepstakes,” she recalls. “The tuition for one semester at the time was P70.” By this time, Dans was helping support her family by painting portraits of her wealthier classmates for P20 each. Partly to escape her mother’s nagging about the rent money, etc., Dans moved into a dormitory and threw herself into campus life, such as it was in the late 1940s. ‘Elope, you dopes’

It was then that she met a brilliant engineering student named Jose “Totoy” Dans Jr. The pair soon became college sweethearts. On his mother’s side, Dans belonged to a wealthy landowning family in Negros, who had arranged his marriage to the daughter of another wealthy landowning family in Negros, as was the custom in those days. The couple sought the advice

Wonder Woman... all women who work within the U.N.” She said the decision to name Wonder Woman as an ambassador was effort to appease disappointed staffers. Rafi and the petition also takes issue with Wonder Woman’s skimpy outfit, arguing that the world might not embrace a scantily clad character in a ❰❰ 25

shimmery, thigh-baring body suit with an American flag motif and knee high boots. “This whole issue of taking a cartoon figure who is clad in a bustier, with cleavage, high-cut shorts — a sort of muscled version of a Barbie — and saying ‘This is what represents gender equality’ is incredible. It’s culturally insensitive. It’s insult-

ing,” said Rafi. It is not the first time the United Nations has partnered with a huge media company. In March, the U.N. appointed Red, the leader of the “Angry Birds” mobile game characters, as an envoy to tackle climate change. That campaign is in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment. www.canadianinquirer.net

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of Fr. John Delaney, UP’s Irish Jesuit chaplain. “He said ‘elope, you dopes,’” recalls Dans. “He believed in young marriage.” Meanwhile, Amorsolo had arranged for her to graduate after only three years, not only because she already had all the skills required of a fine arts graduate, but more importantly because he understood that she desperately needed to use those skills to earn a living. “In those days, artists had hearts,” she says. And so it came to pass that in 1950, the same year they both

graduated, Araceli and Jose were married in the first ever UP Diliman wedding. Jose started up his own construction company. “It was called ‘Erectors, Inc.’” says Dans. “People would laugh at the name.” Meanwhile she started painting in earnest. But first, she had to get something out of her system. The modernist movement was already in full swing by the time Dans enrolled at UP. “Amorsolo didn’t like it,” she re❱❱ PAGE 31 ‘I just’

Lifestyle

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

RIGHT AT HOME:

Matte finishes are a top fall decor trend BY KIM COOK The Associated Press TAKE A look through the fall decor catalogues or browse the aisles of furnishings stores and you’ll see a recurring theme: matte finishes. “Matte is having a moment right now,” says Donna Garlough, Joss & Main’s style director. “Especially in white, black, chalky greys and pastels. It works because accents and lighting in a matte finish pair so naturally with some of the furniture trends we’re seeing.” The velvety, non-glossy sheens offset the natural walnut tones and satiny surface of midcentury wood furniture. And they offer a dramatic contrast to glam elements like burnished and polished metals, clear acrylic, and high- and medium-nap textiles. “A matte piece can be very grounding, and neutralize the look,” Garlough says. Manufacturers are using a range of techniques, like lime washes, eggshell paints, powder-coating and ceramic firing. When honed instead of highly polished, marble, stone and other materials develop a soft matte glow.

Spanish design shop Mermelada Estudio’s spare, linear Alchemy bed frame at CB2, in matte black, is a backdrop for linens of any style. (www.cb2. com) Joss & Main’s Elizabeth floor lamp is cast in matte black steel, giving its slim profile a bit of an industrial look. (www. jossandmain.com) Lumisource’s matte black Austin dining chairs also have an industrial vibe, and would complement a rustic farm table. Or you could pair them

with a dining table with midcentury panache, like the Aeon, a satin-finished ash slab on matte, powder-coated steel legs. (www.wayfair.com) Pottery looks especially chic in matte finishes. Check out CB2’s Roz planter in cream or deep taupe, as well as the Hendricks vase, with a crisp, white, faceted motif. Room and Board has an exclusive collection of porcelain vases crafted by New York’s KleinReid Studio, based on

Hungarian ceramicist Eva Zeisel’s modernist designs. Her curvy vessels, rendered in matte grey, carbon and ivory, might adorn a tablescape or mantel. (www.roomandboard.com) At Hive Modern, Swedish designer Clara von Zweigbergk’s Cirque pendant lamps were inspired by her trip to Copenhagen’s Tivoli district. Bands of spun aluminum in matte hues suggest playful carousels, cotton candy makers and wheels of fortune.

Jean-Marie Massaud’s Namaste free-form melamine plates resemble flat stones, and come in earthy hues. The geologic vibe is echoed in Patricia Urquiola’s Phoenix coffee tables, a series of honed, low-slung laminate or wood veneer slabs perched on matte steel bases. (www.hivemodern.com) The trend has found its way into the kitchen, too. Both GE and BlueStar offer ranges in matte slate finishes. Brizo has a sleek, matte-finished faucet in white or black. (www.geappliances.com; www.bluestarcooking.com; www.brizo.com) Williams-Sonoma has a dramatic suite of matte black Le Creuset cookware in its fall collection. Canvas Home’s Madrid cutlery is ebony steel and titanium. (www.williams-sonoma. com; www.canvashome.com) For crafty decorators, the new matte spray paints can be fun to experiment with, says Garlough. “You can paint anything with it, and I do mean anything,” she says. “I’ve seen stylists paint everything from an old telephone to an eggplant and turn it into an objet d’art. It’s crazy how cool you can make something look with a coat of matte paint.” ■

Canadians cool to shopping for groceries online, only 15% have tried it: report BY SHERYL UBELACKER The Canadian Press TORONTO — Canadians are happy buying their books and music on the web but aren’t yet embracing online grocery shopping, suggests a recently released report. According to the results of an online survey of 1,000 Canadians in August, 92 per cent of respondents said they shopped online but only 15 per cent said they had bought groceries on the web. While almost 40 per cent of online-shopping spending was linked to entertainment purchases, just four per cent was tied to food and groceries.

“With online shopping in general, even in the past with other categories, there had to be an incentive for customers to try it out, to get away from their usual habits, give it a try. And then if there was some benefit they would try it again,” said Suthamie Poologasingham of J.C. Williams Group Ltd., which looked at the online grocery market in its Canadian Etail Report. “I think we’re at that stage with grocery and online.” Canada lags behind the U.S. and U.K. when it comes to online grocery shopping, added Poologasingham. “Once they understand there is some convenience behind it — if retailers are able to pro-

vide those conveniences and the same products they would provide in store — I think we will see more Canadians getting on board.” Some companies without physical grocery stores — like Grocery Gateway, which partners with Longo’s in the Toronto area — deliver boxes of groceries, including fresh produce, to the doorsteps of their customers, while IGA, Thrifty Foods and Costco offer some delivery services as well. Summerhill Market in Toronto teamed up with the delivery service InstaBuggy about six months ago and has seen 30 per cent to 40 per cent growth each month in its online service, said co-owner Christy Mcwww.canadianinquirer.net

Mullen. “I don’t know if everyone will do all of their shopping online. I think they still like the experience of coming in the store, but when you have these big bulky items and you’re in a rush or you don’t have time, then I think online is a really great alternative,” McMullen said. While books and clothes ordered online can linger on a porch, in an apartment lobby or a mailbox, food has to be packaged carefully to keep from spoiling or bruising. To get around that, some retailers including Loblaw and Walmart Canada have adopted a click-and-collect program. The customer orders online

and then swings by the store to fetch the order. Jeremy Pee, Loblaw senior vice-president of e-commerce, claims about 80 per cent of customers who try it once return for a second visit. “We are expecting to see online grocery shopping grow,” said Poologasingham. “We are seeing from other studies that it is growing, so people are looking at it and trying it out at least once.” The polling industry’s professional body, the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, says online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population. ■

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Sports Pacquiao ready to PHL bags men’s doubles gold fight, will assault at world takraw tournament Griffith Park BY JEAN T. MALANUM Philippines News Agency

BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer

this [uphill run] will be Pacquiao’s first after the training camp in Manila, where he experienced cramping on his left left HOLLYWOOD — Being ready leg two weeks ago, and its proxfor a fight won’t suffice for imity to fight night at Thomas Manny Pacquiao. He must be in & Mack Center. optimum condition when the Knowing Pacquiao’s passion collision happens. for excellence, however, Roach No wonder, Pacquiao always gave in under the condition that prefers to go the extra mile in his prized ward won’t overdo it. training for his World Boxing “He looks forward to it Organization welterweight title (Griffith run),” said Roach, who showdown with Jessie Vargas was pleased with how their last on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas. training session, which was Though his chief trainer, closed to the public, played out Freddie Roach, and condition- Saturday at Elorde Gym near ing coach, Justin Fortune, be- Mall of Asia. lieve that there’s no longer a That time, Pacquiao sparred need for him to for 10 rounds do uphill runs, with unbeaten the Fighting Olympian Jose Senator insists Ramirez and that he still Leonardo Doroneeds to assault Knowing nio. the Griffith Park Pacquiao’s peak here. passion for Six more rounds This, despite excellence, With his telling Filipino however, shoulder aching sportswriters Roach gave from the poundupon his arrival in under the ing he got from at Los Angeles condition Pacquiao in a International that his 12-round mitts Airport Saturday prized session Friday, night (Sunday in ward won’t Roach yielded Manila) that he overdo it. the chore to ascan already trade sistant trainer punches with Buboy FerVargas at that nandez, who moment. absorbed the “I’m always impact of Pacready,” said Pacquiao, who quiao’s power punches. obliged some requests for self“He’s where we want him ies and photo opportunities to be,” said Roach, noting that from fellow passengers and Fernandez’s shoulders and airport personnel before go- hands got hurt after the sixing down to the baggage carou- round mitts session. sel, where taking pictures are Roach said there will be two strictly prohibited. more six rounds of sparring at “This may only be half-truth, his Wild Card Gym here, and otherwise, Pacquiao wouldn’t probably four more on Saturneed to push himself as training day. is tapering down,” according to Traditionally, Pacquiao closRoach, a seven-time trainer of es training camp Monday afthe year. ternoon with a light workout, including a few rounds of sparJust the right training ring, before the team heads for Roach’s reservation is that Las Vegas. ■

MANILA — The Philippines was crowned men’s doubles champion at the 31st King’s Cup Sepak Takraw World Championships after a stunning victory over 2015 SEA Games gold medalist Myanmar on Friday night in Thailand. The team of Jason Huerte, Rheyjey Ortouste and Mark Gonzales fought gallantly to conquer powerhouse Thailand in the semifinal round, 15-21, 22-20, 21-19, before pulling off a 12-21, 21-19, 21-17 upset over Myanmar in the final of the premier division. The Philippines defeated Singapore, Australia, Chinese

Taipei and Indonesia in the elimination round. It was a historic victory for the Philippines, which is the first country to beat world champion Thailand in the prestigious King’s Cup. Last year, the Philippines shared the bronze medal with Myanmar. Thailand won the gold while South Korea got the silver medal. Aside from the men’s doubles gold, the Philippines also won a silver in the men’s team event and a bronze in the women’s hoop event in the tournament sanctioned by the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF), the world governing body in the sport. In an interview with DZSR Sports Radio on Saturday, Phil-

ippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association (PASTA) president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero said that years of hard work finally paid off for the Filipino takraw athletes who have earned the respect of world sepak takraw. Tanchanco-Caballero, who was appointed vice president of the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation on Thursday, also expressed hope that the team would receive the same admiration in the Philippines. “It’s a strong, strong week for the sepak takraw Philippine delegation. Glad to be part of the team that would be taking sepak takraw in Asia to the next level,” Tanchanco-Caballero posted on her Facebook account. ■

Neymar signs contract extension with Barcelona THE CANADIAN PRESS BARCELONA, SPAIN — Barcelona forward Neymar signed a three-year contract extension on Friday, tying him to the Spanish champion until 2021. Barcelona announced Neymar’s agreement to the terms of a new deal in July. The new deal includes a buyout clause that increases from 200 million euros ($217 million) in its first year, to 220 million euros in the second year, to 250 million euros in the third year. The 24-year-old Neymar joined Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos in 2013. He has scored 91 goals in 150 matches, including six goals in nine matches this season. Forming a dominant attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, he has helped Barcelona win the Champions League, two Spanish leagues, www.canadianinquirer.net

MAXISPORT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

two Copa del Rey trophies, and the Club World Cup. “This is great news,” Barce-

lona coach Luis Enrique said. “Neymar has grown into one of the best players in the world.” ■

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Business Biz group urges gov’t to call Yaos, Energy China for dialogue following its team up for recalibration of foreign policy $2-B power project BY KRIS M. CRISMUNDO Philippines News Agency MANILA — The Makati Business Club, one of the county’s premier business organizations, has urged the government to call for a national dialogue on strategic relations as the administration aims to further strengthen its relation with Asian neighbors. The MBC said in a statement on Tuesday that it supports the administration’s drive for an independent foreign policy since the Philippines has gained international respect, recognition, and respect over the past few years. “As we transition through this recalibration in our foreign policy, we call on the government to initiate another multi-sectoral dialogue similar to when it drafted the 10-point socio-economic agenda,” the business group said. “We hope that the government will also invite the views of eminent leaders, foreign policy experts, policymakers, business, the academe, and the youth,” it added. The MBC also welcomed the administration’s initiative to revive Manila-Beijing ties, pointing out that both countries will benefit from renewed and closer ties with China’s economic stature and the Philippines’ rising economy. It added that the renewed partnership between Manila and Beijing will be vital in addressing the infrastructure gap in the country, given China’s expertise in this sector. The business group also expressed optimism in enhancing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. China is the country’s second largest trading partner with two-way trade amounting to USD17.2 billion — USD10.8 billion to the Philippines’ imports

BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer

The MBC also welcomed the administration’s initiative to revive Manila-Beijing ties, pointing out that both countries will benefit from renewed and closer ties with China’s economic stature and the Philippines’ rising economy.

PATRICKROQUE01 / CREATIVE COMMONS 3.0

bill and USD6.2 billion in exports revenue. Philippine businesses’ investments in China as of 2012 reached USD75 million while Chinese investments in the country as of 2015 amounted to USD570,000. The MBC however noted that as the country aims to boost its relations with its northern neighbor, the government should also take care of its ties with existing strategic partners like the United States. “We believe that as we strengthen ties with one of our neighbors, this should be in tandem with continuing to nurture our partnership with existing strategic allies and friends,” the MBC said. “In particular, our relationship with the United States, particularly on the economic front, should remain solid and should also be further expanded,” it added. Being the third largest trading partner of the country, twoway trade between the Philippines and the US amounted to USD16.47 billion, in favor of the former. Philippine exports to the US were valued at USD9 billion while its imports from the US

stood at USD7.47 billion — a surplus of USD1.55 billion for the country. The US is also one of the top investment sources for the country last year, with investments amounting to USD732 million. The group further pointed out that the US has a critical share in the two major pillars of the Philippine economy — the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and overseas Filipino remittances. “Filipinos in the US contribute the highest amount of remittances, valued at USD8.4 billion, accounting for 33 percent of total remittances sourced from all over the world. American firms have also been critical in the development of our BPO industry that, as of 2015, contributed USD22 billion to the economy and provided 1.2 million jobs,” the group noted. “It is important for the world to see that the government continues its inclusive engagement and welcomes investments that will generate jobs. The Makati Business Club is prepared to participate in this discussion, as we work towards our shared aspiration of a progressive and inclusive Philippines,” it concluded. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

the remaining 70 percent. Asked why he made this decision to diversify into the power business now, Yao said: “There is a looming power supply BUSINESS MAGNATE Al- shortfall in Luzon.” fredo Yao of the Zest-O group In the past, Yao said it was has hatched a partnership deal difficult to pursue such bigwith Hong Kong-listed Energy ticket projects because “200 China, the leading power engi- signatures were needed” to neering and construction firm obtain permits. He expressed in China, to invest more than optimism that the Duterte ad$2 billion in a 1,200-megawatt ministration’s pledge to cut red coal-fired power plant in the tape would be done to attract Philippines. more investors into doing busiIn a chance interview with ness in the country. Inquirer, Yao said the proposed Based on its website, Energy power plant project —which China is one of the largest comwould be built somewhere in prehensive solutions providers Luzon—would mark his group’s for the power industry in China entry into the energy business. and globally. It has capabilities The proposed across the full power plant will industry chain, be built in two especially in surphases with a vey and design, capacity of 600 There is a c o n s u l t a n c y, megawatts each. looming construction Yao said the inipower and contracting, tial phase would supply equipment mancost about $1 shortfall in ufacturing, civil billion and the Luzon. explosives and amount would go cement producup to $2 billion, tion, investment inclusive of the and other busisecond phase. nesses. Energy Secretary Alfonso One of Energy China’s bigCusi said there were several gest undertakings is the Three energy deals signed during the Gorges Project, the largest hyfour-day state visit of President dropower station in the world Duterte to China (Oct. 18 to 21) in terms of installed capacity. and Yao’s partnership with EnIn recent years, the company ergy China was one of the major has been expanding its interdeals. national business, completing Based on estimates, Cusi said China’s first overseas nuclear Yao’s total investment could power project, Chashma Nureach more than $2 billion in- clear Power Plant (1×300MW) cluding the second phase of the Project Phase I, in Pakistan project. and EREN SC coalfired Power Industry sources estimated Plant (2×600MW) Project in that the energy deals bagged in Turkey. this trip, including those which Its Santa Cruz River Hydrowere private sector-initiated power Station [which is under like Yao’s, could sum up to more construction] is the largest than $5 billion. project in Argentina and the Yao said a joint venture firm largest overseas hydropower would be created with Energy project undertaken by a ChiChina owning up to 30 percent nese company so far in terms of equity. His group would control contract value. ■

Business

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Plunging solar equipment prices fuel trade complaints BY JOE MCDONALD The Associated Press BEIJING — Use of solar power is soaring, but Europe’s biggest solar panel manufacturer, SolarWorld, took the surprise step last month of cutting 500 jobs from its workforce of 3,000. The reason? Global sales are on track for a record year but prices are plunging due to a glut of supply. That is encouraging the spread of clean energy but squeezing manufacturers, leading to politically sensitive job losses. ProSun, a group that represents European suppliers, blames China, which it says is flooding export markets and depressing prices by propping up money-losing manufacturers. Industry experts say the problem is global and reflects missteps by manufacturers and shifting energy policies in Europe and the United States. Solar panels are among many industries, from steel and cement to wind turbines, where Chinese production capacity soared during the past decade’s economic boom until it vastly exceeded demand. ProSun is pressing European Union trade officials for action, making this the latest industry, along with steel and aluminum, to be hit by political tensions over a surge of low-cost Chinese exports. On average, global prices of solar cells have fallen 20 per cent since July, according to Edurne Zoco, who follows the industry for IHS Markit. Suppliers must sell at a loss or cut output, said Milan Nitschke, a SolarWorld executive who is president of ProSun.

“It’s a problem for every manufacturer outside China,” said Nitschke. “Chinese manufacturers also are in trouble but they can be confident that if they struggle, a Chinese banker will save them.” Prices of solar modules in the U.S. were down 13 per cent from a year earlier in late June, at 59 cents per watt of generating capacity, the Solar Energy Industries Association says. The biggest U.S. manufacturer, First Solar Inc., reported its profit for the three months ending in June fell 85 per cent from a year earlier. The No. 2 U.S. producer, SunPower Corp., announced Aug. 9 it would close a factory in the Philippines and eliminate 1,200 jobs following a quarterly loss of $70 million. U.S. regulators imposed import tariffs of up to 250 per cent in 2012 on Chinese solar cells and hiked duties on other solar products last year to offset what they deemed improper subsidies and unfairly low export prices. In a written response to questions, the U.S. Commerce Department said it has received no new complaints from American manufacturers since issuing those orders. SolarWorld announced Sept. 21 it would eliminate 500 temporary jobs at two sites in Germany. Chinese and European prices are “in a neck-and-neck race to the bottom,” said PV Magazine, which follows the industry. It said remaining European producers “have just a few years left at best.” A group representing Chinese exporters denies they are

selling solar panels abroad at prices below production cost. Chinese manufacturers have cut costs by improving their technology, said Zhang Sen, general secretary of the solar division of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Machinery & Electronic Products. “Chinese companies are not maliciously lowering export prices,” Zhang said in an email. Beijing has encouraged solar manufacturers with low-cost loans and other aid. Production expanded until by 2012 the market was awash in lowcost solar panels. That set off price-cutting wars and a wave of bankruptcies. Communist leaders have promised to shrink bloated industries but want to protect technology creators. Hundreds of small Chinese solar manufacturers have shut down while bigger companies are shielded from bankruptcy. After it defaulted on a 1.7 billion yuan ($267 million) bond payment this year, solar panel maker Yingli Group, a sponsor of the 2014 football World Cup in Brazil, received 2 billion yuan ($310 million) from the China Development Bank. Regulators were lining up another 7.5 billion yuan ($1.2 billion), according to Chinese news reports. China passed Germany last year as the biggest user of solar power and has raised its official 2020 target for solar generating capacity by 50 per cent to 150 gigawatts — more than triple the amount installed to date. Environmentalists and other governments have lauded such policies. Manufacturers ramped up

then I went back to realism.” She hasn’t looked back since. By the time she was 34, Dans already had 10 children. Somehow, she had also built a reputation as a portrait painter, and was making a good living at it. Apart from her own work, she has also had a career as an art educator, establishing the Fine Arts program of the Philippine Women’s University and

later the art education program of the Ateneo de Manila grade school.

production, but demand in China collapsed after a lower subsidy rate took effect July 1. “The companies are desperately looking for customers,” said Nitschke. “The Chinese don’t want to dump, but since the government stopped supporting demand in China itself, they need to.” China is the biggest manufacturer but suppliers everywhere contributed to the surplus by expanding despite warnings they would overshoot demand, according to IHS Markit’s Zoco. “This is a common factor across all manufacturers,” he said. New solar generating capacity installed worldwide rose 25 per cent last year over 2014 to 56 gigawatts, according to the U.N. Environment Program. Forecasters expect this year’s new installations to reach 60 to 75 gigawatts. “With these low prices, in a number of countries demand is picking up, especially in emerging markets,” said Frank Haugwitz, an industry consultant in Beijing. Projects are under development in the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, where solar used to be too expensive, he said. A bid in September by a partnership between a Chinese manufacturer, Jinko Solar Ltd., and Japan’s Marubeni Corp. to build a proposed 350-megawatt solar power project in Abu Dhabi set a new low in prices. Jinko

and Marubeni said they can deliver power for 2.42 U.S. cents per kilowatt hour. Beijing is encouraging Chinese manufacturers to shift production to India, Southeast Asia, Brazil and elsewhere to reduce the supply glut at home and avoid U.S. and European curbs on solar panels from China. That is undercutting Indian leaders’ hopes of nurturing their own solar technology industry. The Chinese share of India’s solar technology market jumped from 50 per cent to 75 per cent over the past year, according to Bridge to India, a consulting firm. It said Chinese brands now account for eight India’s top 10 suppliers. Beijing resolved European Union dumping complaints by agreeing to set a minimum price of 56 euro cents per watt on Chinese-made solar panels exported to the 28-nation trade bloc. ProSun accuses suppliers of violating that pact by charging as little as 40 euro cents per watt and secretly paying rebates or mislabeling Chinesemade panels as coming from other countries. European manufacturers want the EU to extend the agreement, but groups that promote renewable energy want it scrapped. They say it hampers the spread of solar by inflating costs. ■

lar telephone communication were created. Dans continues to be a prolific painter. In 2011, 185 of her portraits were compiled from various private collections and were shown for the first time. One of her granddaughters now manages her career. “I just paint and paint,” she says. “The paintings end up in storage, and sometimes I forget

about them.” When they do see the light of day, though, her works now fetch top-tier prices. “As an artist and a sage,” Sandra Dans and Roberta Thomas write in “Moments of Grace,” the catalogue for “Ang Mundo Ni Inay,” “Dans’ paintbrush glides gracefully spanning nearly nine decades of artistry and maternal wisdom.” ■

‘I just...’ called. “They couldn’t draw, and people couldn’t understand what they were trying to do.” She herself didn’t like the new thing, but she couldn’t dismiss it out of hand. “I tried it for three years,” she says. “Then my husband said ‘are you enjoying yourself? Why are you doing it then?’ I just wanted to understand it. And ❰❰ 27

Paint and paint

Meanwhile, her husband eventually became Minister of Transportation and Communication under Ferdinand Marcos. It was under his administration that the Light Rail Transit system and celluwww.canadianinquirer.net

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Technology Cyberattacks disrupt popular websites, affecting users in the US, Canada, Europe BY RAPHAEL SATTER The Associated Press LONDON — Cyberattacks on a key Internet firm repeatedly disrupted the availability of popular websites across the United States on Friday, according to analysts and company officials. The attack had knock-on effects for users trying to access popular websites from across America, Canada and even in Europe. Among the sites apparently affected were Twitter, Netflix, and Sony’s PlayStation Network. Netflix Canada said it was experiencing issues streaming on some devices and was working to resolve the problem. The White House described the disruption as malicious. Manchester, New Hampshire-based Dyn Inc. said its server infrastructure was hit by distributed denial-of-service

attacks, which work by overwhelming targeted machines with junk data traffic. The level of disruption was difficult to gauge, but Dyn provides Internet traffic management and optimization services to some of the biggest names on the web, including Twitter, Netflix and Visa. Critically, Dyn provides domain name services, which translate the human-readable addresses such as “twitter.com” into an online route for browsers and applications. Steve Grobman, chief technology officer at Intel Security, compared an outage at a domain name services company to tearing up a map or turning off GPS before driving to the department store. “It doesn’t matter that the store is fully open or operational if you have no idea how to get there,” he said in a telephone interview. Jason Read, founder of the Internet performance moni-

toring firm CloudHarmony, owned by Gartner Inc., said his company tracked a half-hourlong disruption early Friday in which roughly one in two end users would have found it impossible to access various websites from the East Coast. A second attack later in the day caused disruption to the East and West Coasts as well as impacting some users in Europe. “It’s been pretty busy for those guys,” Read said. “We’ve been monitoring Dyn for years and this is by far the worst outage event that we’ve observed.” Read said Dyn provides services to some six per cent of America’s Fortune 500 companies. That means a lot of disruption. “It impacted quite a few users,” he said of the morning’s attack. A full list of affected companies wasn’t immediately available, but major sites including Twitter and coder hangout

Github said they briefly experienced problems earlier Friday. For James Norton, the former deputy secretary at the Department of Homeland Security who now teaches on cybersecurity policy at Johns Hopkins University, the incident was an example of how attacks on key junctures in the network can yield massive disruption. “I think you can see how fragile the Internet network actually is,” he said. Dyn said in a series of statements that it first became aware of the attack around 7:00 a.m. local time and that services were restored about two hours later. A little more than two hours later, the company said it was working to mitigate another attack. A Dyn spokesman didn’t respond to questions seeking further information about the online onslaught. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is monitoring the situation, White House

spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Friday. He said he had no information about who may be behind the disruption. Security experts have recently expressed concern over increasing power of denialof-service attacks following high-profile electronic assaults against investigative journalist Brian Krebs and French Internet service provider OVH . In a widely shared essay titled “Someone Is Learning How to Take Down the Internet,” respected security expert Bruce Schneier said last month that major Internet infrastructure companies were seeing a series of worrying denial-of-service attacks. “Someone is extensively testing the core defensive capabilities of the companies that provide critical Internet services,” he said. ■ With files from The Canadian Press

China ‘well prepared’ to launch Chang’e-5 lunar probe in 2017: top scientist PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY TIANJIN — China is well prepared to launch the Chang’e-5 lunar probe in 2017 to collect and bring back moon rock samples for scientific research, a leading Chinese scientist said

Sunday. Chief Scientist of China’s Lunar Exploration Project Ouyang Ziyuan told reporters in northern city of Tianjin that the launch of Chang’e-5 represents the third stage of China’s lunar exploration endeavor. The first stage of lunar expedition was achieved by sending

Chang’e-1, a circumlunar satellite, in 2007. For the second stage, China landed its lunar probe Chang’e-3 on the surface of the moon in 2013. The scientist said the analysis of the structure and component of the samples to be collected by Chang’e-5 would help scientists deepen the study into the

www.canadianinquirer.net

formation and the evolution of the moon. “We are ready. Every lab is ready,” he said. “Once the samples are back, we can begin our analysis right away.” He said the launch of Chang’e-5 would improve China’s space science technology. Ouyang also confirmed the

launch of Chang’e-4, a relay of Chang’e-3, in 2018 to land on the far side of the moon, a breakthrough in human history. The launch of the two lunar probes were first announced by State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense earlier this year. ■

Technology

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Posting ballot selfies: Personal choice or illegal act? BY BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI The Associated Press

New 3D technology raises hopes for the coldest of cold cases BY TAMARA LUSH The Associated Press THEY STARE, straight ahead, unblinking and made of malleable clay. There are fourteen total, all busts of the missing, the unidentified, the murdered. The forgotten. These faces appeared before law enforcement, University of South Florida experts and the public for the first time on Friday. The clay busts were the effort of University of South Florida forensic anthropologists and forensic artists who pulled images of unidentified bodies from cold case files, printed their skulls in 3D plastic, then moulded heads and faces that someone might recognize. They’re hoping to solve 20 cases, including 13 from Florida, four from Pennsylvania, and one each from Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. Some are decades old. Investigators hope that updated DNA procedures and chemical isotope testing will help them identify the bodies and ultimately, learn what happened to them. “Time stands still for these victims,” said Cpl. Tom McAndrew of the Pennsylvania State Police. This is the second year of the Art of Forensics event. It was conceived by Joe Mullins, a forensic artist for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. While most of this year’s 20 cold cases are of adults who were found dead, one was a

baby. In August 2003, an infant’s body was found in a pond in Gainesville. They think the remains are that of a girl. That’s all investigators know; it’s unclear how the baby died, and the artists did only a computer sketch of the baby. Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell talked about the case, and said there is a “tsunami” of missing and unidentified cases in Florida, partially because of the state’s transient population. “Every single person represented here today was somebody’s baby,” she said. “This is the why of what we do in our work.” For Dr. Erin Kimmerle, a USF anthropologist and director of the school’s Institute for Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science, it’s about justice for the families, especially in cases of homicides. “There’s a reason there are no statutes of limitations on murder,” she said. “Stripping someone of their life is the ultimate crime.” Investigators acknowledge it’s a long shot to crack these cases, but say it’s worth the effort. After last year’s Art of Forensics event, one cold case victim was identified. This year’s event also has raised hopes. Two sisters showed up, and intensely compared one of the clay faces to a picture they carried of their older sister, missing since the late 1970s. They teared up at the resemblance, and a detective whisked them away to collect information, possibly generating a lead. ■

TRENTON, N.J. — You probably already know whether you’ll vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton on Election Day, leaving one important question to consider when you walk into your polling place: Is it OK to take a picture of your ballot? While secrecy in the voting booth has become a thing of the past for those ready to share their views and daily lives on social media, laws nationwide are mixed on whether voters are allowed to take pictures of themselves in the act or of their ballots — “ballot selfies”. Federal judges have struck down bans on selfies in New Hampshire and Indiana, and rules have been changed in places like California and Rhode Island, but in many states it’s still a violation that carries potential fines or jail terms. There are laws against sharing any photo of your ballot in 18 states, while six other states bar photography in polling places but do allow photos of mail-in ballots, according to a review by The Associated Press. Critics say such regulations have not kept up with technology and are confusing for voters and election workers. Some states that ban ballot selfies or have moved to block them cite concerns the photos could harm the integrity of the voting process by encouraging votebuying or coercion, though some acknowledge there’s no evidence to support those fears. Nikola Jordan, 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, has been taking such photos for about 10 years and believes they are a great way not only to share her views on the issues, but also to stress the importance of voting and being civically active. A Nebraska lawmaker added a provision to state election law this year to allow ballot selfies. “I was doing this for years before I learned it was technically illegal,” Jordan said with a laugh. “It’s all about encouraging other people to get involved in the process, to show it can be fun and exciting to make your voice heard (at the polls). Don’t www.canadianinquirer.net

think of voting as some boring thing ... It’s your chance to make a difference.” The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston last month upheld a decision that New Hampshire’s ban on ballot selfies was unconstitutional, saying it suppressed a large swath of political speech and there was no evidence to support the state’s concerns. “It goes to the core of democracy,” said Gilles Bissonnette, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, which brought the suit on behalf of three people investigated for violating the statute. Among those filing briefs in support of ballot selfies was Snapchat, which argued they are the latest way voters, especially young adults, get involved in the political process and express support for or against a cause or a candidate. “We had a failure to recognize the importance of online political speech, especially to the younger generation,” Bissonnette said. “The First Amendment needs to be guarded rigorously. These old laws cannot and should not be applied to the modern technology.” California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill last month that repeals a 125-year-old law barring voters from showing people their marked ballots. It goes into effect after the November election, but legislative analysists have found no occasion of the ban being enforced — and it hasn’t stopped people from sharing photos of their 2016 ballots. Colorado started mailing ballots this week in the all-mail presidential election, and some ballot selfies started popping up on social media. In response, Denver District Attorney

Mitch Morrissey on Thursday issued a reminder that publicizing completed ballots is a misdemeanour in the state. The ACLU criticized his statement as potential voter intimidation. Morrissey’s spokeswoman told reporters he had no plans to comb social media looking for folks posting ballot selfies, saying authorities investigate only in response to a complaint. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring issued a formal opinion last month that nothing in Virginia law prohibits voters from taking pictures of themselves, fellow voters or their ballot within the polling place. “This is a product of the times we live in,” said Democratic New Jersey Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, who has sponsored a measure to allow ballot selfies. “If voters want to express their pride in participating in our democracy by voting or tout their political preferences on social media, they should be entitled to do so.” Clarissa Livingstone, 26, of Toms River, said she doesn’t understand concerns raised over ballot selfies. She doesn’t believe people would be influenced by seeing ballot photos that she or anyone else might post. “People are so rigid in their political beliefs these days,” Livingstone said, “they’re not going to change their votes once they see how some Jersey girl voted.” ■ Contributing to this report were Associated Press writers Josh Cornfield in Trenton, Alanna Durkin Richer in Richmond, Virginia, and Kristen Wyatt in Denver.

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Travel Two of the best In observance of October as National Museums and Galleries Month, Lifestyle Arts & Books is running a list of the best private museums BY CONSTANTINO C. TEJERO Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY LEAH MARLIE PAGUNSAN-TAMBANILLO Philippines News Agency

Metropolitan Museum of Manila: Philippines’ premier museum of modern art Bangko Sentral ng PIlipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Tel. 632505271; 225237855 E-mail: info@metmuseum.ph

Built in 1976, it is one of those structures with brutalist architecture that cropped up during martial law. It has been billed as the country’s premier museum of Filipino contemporary and experimental art. It is partly subsidized by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Its collection includes preHispanic goldwork and pottery; Félix Resurrección Hidalgo paintings; Russian ikons; works by Filipino contemporary artists such as BenCab and Pacita Abad; prints by Jasper Johns, Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg. Permanent exhibits are “Classical Gold and Pottery from Precolonial Period” in the basement galleries; and “The Philippine Contemporary: To Scale the Past and the Possible,” modernist and abstract paintings, in the upper galleries. The ground floor holds rotating exhibitions. Ongoing through this month is “Configuring Philippine Prints,” featuring pieces from the BSP Collection, highlighting works of pioneering artists Manuel Rodriguez Sr., Rod Paras-Perez, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya. With “Art for All” as motto, the museum has “extensive outreach programs in nontraditional venues” and maintains “a strong relationship with the academic community.” It is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Gold and pottery galleries close at 4:30 p.m. Guided tours for the visually impaired on Tuesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission on Tuesday.

Culasi’s best practice — building of sea wall to save lives

Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

Lopez Museum & Library: Steward of Philippine art and artifacts G/F, Benpres Bldg., Exchange Rd. cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. 6359545 and 6312417 (museum); 6312425 (library) E-mail: lmmpasig@ gmail.com

The six-story modernist structure, built in 1969, looks lost amid the high-rises of Pasig’s business center. Its generic façade belies the extravagant trove inside, and it is a heritage building. Founded in 1960 by industrialist Eugenio Lopez Sr., the museum functions as a heritage institution as it houses major Philippine artworks, important documents, rare books, antiquarian maps. It is like a smallscale merging of the National Museum and the National Library. On the library collection, a note says: “Consisting of over 19,000 Filipiniana titles by about 12,000 authors, it houses an invaluable collection of Philippine incunabula, rare books, manuscripts, dictionaries, literary works in Western and vernacular languages, religious tracts, periodicals, newspapers, coffee-table volumes, academic treatises, contemporary writings, maps, archival photographs, cartoons, microfilms.” It holds the Ilocos edition

RICHARD ESPIRITU / MEI TANCHICO / DK SOLIS

of “Doctrina Cristiana,” Pedro Chirino’s “Relacion de las Islas Filipinas” and key editions of Antonio de Morga’s “Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas.” It has books of Philippine imprints dated as old as 1597. The art collection has had a very strong foundation. Its first curator was historian Renato Constantino, from 1960 to 1972. It was at this time Lopez, in consultation with collector Alfonso Ongpin, acquired works by Juan Luna, Félix Ressurrección Hidalgo and Fernando Amorsolo. When Lopez’s youngest son Roberto took over, the collection, supervised by artist-critic Rod Paras-Perez, added works of Philippine Modernism. By the time Eugenio Jr. took the helm, from 1993 to 1999, the art acquisition was on what must be its most important phase: key works of national artists. Exhibits ongoing through Dec. 23 are “Two Halves of a Whole,” a retrospective show of Juvenal Sansó’s paintings and prints and “Exposition,” art installations by Cian Dayrit, Liv Vinluan and Lightning Studies: CTCCCs. ■ Lopez Museum & Library is open from Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Plan ahead to beat the terrible traffic, especially during rush hours in that area. www.canadianinquirer.net

SAN JOSE de BUENAVISTA, ANTIQUE — The town of Culasi in the northern part of this seahorse shaped province we call Antique has been in the map lately. Visitors and guest, both foreign and local ones, dropped by this lovely municipality comprising of 44 barangays of which three are island barangays. These islands topped them all when it comes to day visitors as well as overnight travelers. Records from the Tourism Office and was shared by Culasi’s tourism officer John-john Sumanting revealed that as of the third quarter of this year, a total of 57,697 visitors were listed in its tourist arrivals. What made Culasi, specifically with its three island barangays, stood among the other towns in Antique? Culasi is endowed with an 18-kilometer long uninterrupted coastal lines and to most of us, this could spell disaster, especially during the months when typhoons, strong ones at that, would visit the island of Panay. Yes, several calamities had hit Culasi and local officials faced the challenges of saving their constituents, evacuating, rescuing, sustaining their daily food and sadly, these depleted their funds. Brilliant was the mind of its past municipal mayor, Joel A. Lomugdang when he found a solution to this perennial problem. Admittedly, Culasinos are resilient but to Mayor Lomugdang, it was simply unacceptable to just let the people, especially the informal dwellers along the shorelines to just suffer the consequences of such calamities. This solution, a sea wall stretching about one kilometer and made of reinforced concrete was constructed. A concrete sheet piles buried to a depth of

2.40 meters below sea level with a height of 2 meters from the natural ground with reinforced concrete column spaced at 3.0 meters on the center could spell the difference, the town’s engineers thought. And believed. And so the sea wall served as protective measures against calamities. Aside from saving lives, the sea wall also became a tourist destination flocked by both foreign and local travelers. Why? Simply because it serves a s jump off point from mainland Culasi to the three beautiful island barangays, namely Mararison, Maningning and Batbatan. It also serves as the gateway for economic activities of the three islands. The sea wall is 100% safe, even at night because CCTV had been installed to monitor the ins and outs of people, tourists and locals alike. Now, the sea wall that was seen to protect the residents living near the shores became a bustling and progressive area where economy became alive what with tourist arrivals increasing by the thousands. These tourists give income to the boat owners, market vendors and the homestay operators in the three islands. The local government unit of Culasi was likewise privileged to have received the Bottom Up Budgeting for 2015 and 2016 amounting to Php 2.58 million and Php 6 million, respectively. These funds were used for the sea wall’s development and expansion. Along the way, the legislators and the executive officials of the town developed measures to protect the sea wall. It has to be environment-friendly and cleanliness should be maintained along the area. Thus tourists both from outside the province and those who reside nearby can always wonder: can geniuses blossom in these islands, in this lovely town with its majestic mountain, as they did in the Isles of Greece?” ■

Travel

FRIDAY OCTOBER 28, 2016

Confessed hiking snob finds joy on the beaten paths BY CRAIG HILL The Associated Press TACOMA, WASH. — I’ve spent the better part of this year coming to grips with the fact that I’m a bit of a hiking snob. For years I’ve avoided hiking the Interstate 90 corridor between Issaquah and Exit 34. From Cougar Mountain to Mailbox Peak (and beyond in warmer months), sits some of Washington’s most popular hiking trails. And popular isn’t usually what I’m looking for when I go hiking. It’s not like I’ve totally avoided the area. I spent enough time there to see the impressive trail building and maintenance done by the state and volunteers groups such as the Washington Trails Association, Mountains to Sound Greenway and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Here’s what kept me away. The trails are busy. In fact, at places such as Mount Si and Rattlesnake Ledge it gets so busy at times some hikers stop acknowledging each other. They just pass each other like they’re walking through the mall. Also, the low elevation of many of the hikes makes them an ideal hiking destination between midfall and early spring. So, I told myself, why should I spend my summers hiking here when that’s the only time many higher hikes are available? And I don’t like that even on top of some of the peaks, I could still hear the I-90 traffic. Traffic I was going to have battle on my way home. Plus, I was turned off by the online articles that seemed to be proliferating on my social media accounts. Many seemed to talk about Mount Si as if it is the Cascades’ ultimate challenge. (It is a serious workout, but not even the toughest hike in the neighbourhood.) Never mind that some of the most talented outdoor athletes I know spend tons of time training in this area. Like I said, I’m a hiking snob. Then, my wife decided she wanted to explore these trails and that I was going with her. We started New Year’s Day by hiking Little Si with friends. Just as I’d warned her, finding a parking spot was more challenging than the actual hike. Needless to say, I wasn’t converted. But we weren’t done. Seven times we returned to the area and it didn’t take long for me to come to the realization that the area isn’t just more enjoyable than I ever gave it credit for being, it’s a gem. The views can span much of Western Washington on nice days. Many of the trails are well maintained. And those searching for an uphill workout will have plenty of opportunities. I know, I’m a little late to the party, say the hundreds of thousands of hikers

L-R: Mount Si and Rattlesnake Ledge.

`who visit the area each year. But don’t make the same mistake I did. There’s a reason these hikes are so popular. Here are some classics worthy of your fall hiking list. Most are typically accessible at least through November, but check for current conditions before heading out. Mount Si

Mount Si looms over North Bend and has a reputation as both a convenient training hill and a bucket list hike. It’s long been a conditioning spot for those aspiring to climb Mount Rainier. For others, this is their Rainier. It all makes for a rather eclectic collection of hikers. On any given day you might see runners zipping up and down the trail multiple times, families, hikers in blue jeans and more. At the top, on nice days, hikers are rewarded with a view that includes the Olympics. If 8 miles and 3,200 feet of climbing sounds like too much, Little Si (5 miles, 1,200 feet) is right next door. Want more? Mount Teneriffe (14 miles, 3,800 feet) is also Si’s neighbour.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the state’s busiest trails, but ducking the crowds requires just a little extra effort. Most people do the 4-mile (roundtrip), 1,200-foot trip to a rocky ledge with a dramatic view of the lake and valley below. Just keep hiking less than another quarter mile to find more overlooks that are higher and sometimes free of people. Poo Poo Point

My wife and I recently spent a rainy Saturday afternoon making our way up the popular Poo Poo Point trail in Tiger Mountain State Forest and we were surprised by what we found at the top. Despite the nasty weather we could see from the South Sound to Lake Sammamish. The hike from Issaquah High School to the point (a popular paraglider launching point in warmer months) is 7.5 miles and climbs about 1,600 feet. As far as the view-to-work ratio goes in the Issaquah Alps, it’s hard to top. Poo Poo Point is on the edge of the

Mailbox Peak

A legendary steep challenge that can be a little easier these days thanks to a new trail built by the state and volunteers in 2014. You’ll still have to climb more than 4,000 feet to reach the top, but the new trail lets you do it in 9 miles (roundtrip) rather that 6. Many choose to climb up the rugged old trail and descend on the knee-friendly new trail. A mailbox sits atop the peak and it’s filled with letters and trinkets deposited by hikers. The peak also delivers stunning views that start about half a mile below the summit. www.canadianinquirer.net

13,745-acre forest packed with considerably more opportunities for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Cougar and Squak

From Poo Poo Point, two small, forested peaks sit in the middle of the panorama. Both Squak Mountain State Park (13 miles) and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (35 miles) are loaded with trails to explore. The parks are low enough that they’re usually usable all year. Cedar Butte

Cedar Butte doesn’t fall into the classic hike category, but it’s worth having on your list if you’re looking for a short hike a bit off the beaten path. The hike is usually doable all year, has a view of North Bend and you can count on having few people with whom to share the trail. The route (3.6 miles, 900 vertical feet) starts on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail before climbing through the trees to the top of the 1,880-foot Butte. ■

OCTOBER 28, 2016

FRIDAY

Food Vegetable Mac and Cheese A Full Pasta Dinner without the Hassle!

THE CANADIAN PRESS

BY TINA BAILON-LINDRES Equipment: Saladmaster Food Processor, Electric Oil Core Skillet Ingredients: Onions, zucchini, carrots, bell pepper, garlic, spinach, cheddar cheese, macaroni noodles, any pasta sauce. Prep Time : 5 to 10 minutes Procedure

1. Preheat skillet at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. 2. Pour in about 1/4 cup of pasta sauce. 3. Put the first layer of macaroni noodles. 4. Using Cone # 1 or 2, cut up some onions, zucchini, carrots and bell peppers directly into the pan. 5. Using Cone # 2, cut up some cheese into the layer.

6. Create the second layer of macaroni noodles and follow step step 2, 4 and 5. 7. Repeat step 2 to 5 to fill out the skillet close to the brink. 8. Repeat # 5 as the final layer and put a bunch of spinach on top. 9.Set the skillet at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. 10. Using the skillet as your

Real Fruit Roll-ups

serving dish, serve to your family and enjoy! ■ The Contributor is the CEO of The Green Apron Cookware Dist, Authorized Saladmaster Dealer in British Columbia. She and her husband, Emmanuel Lindres, are Elite Master Dealers and own one of the biggest Saladmaster dealerships in the world.

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• 900 g (2 lb) or so of apples, cored and cut into large chunks • 1 bag (600 g/21 oz) frozen raspberries • 1 knob (2.5 cm/1 inch) ginger, thinly sliced or grated • 125 ml (1/2 cup) water • 30 ml (2 tbsp) chia seeds Position racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 100 C (200 F). Turn on convection fan if you have one. Line 2 baking sheets with lightly oiled parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Into a medium saucepan, toss apples, raspberries and ginger, add water and bring to a slow, steady simmer over mediumhigh heat. Cover and continue simmering until apples are very soft, 20 minutes or so. Remove from heat, stir in chia seeds, cover and rest until seeds ab-

sorb liquid and swell, 10 minutes or so. Process mixture through large holes of a food mill or remove ginger slices and puree the works in your food processor or blender. Divide evenly between prepared baking sheets, spreading evenly and thinly. Bake for 2 hours, then check for doneness every 30 minutes or so. The mixture will thin noticeably and the surface will dry and become slightly sticky. The moisture content in apples varies, so this may take up to 4 hours total. Remove from oven and cool completely. Trim away any excess paper around edges of fruit leather. Roll each sheet of fruit and paper into a tight log, then with a pair of kitchen scissors cut into pieces 2.5 or 5 cm (1 or 2 inches) wide. Store in a resealable plastic bag. Makes 20 snacks. ■

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